Work management system and work management method

ABSTRACT

A work management system ( 1 ) includes: an image capturing device ( 20 ) worn by a worker; and a server device ( 60 ). The image capturing device ( 20 ) includes: an image capturing section ( 21 ) for capturing an image of a work range of the worker; and a communication section ( 30 ) for transmitting, to the server device ( 60 ), at least one of (i) the image captured by the image capturing section ( 21 ) and (ii) generated information generated in accordance with the image. The server device ( 60 ) includes a control section ( 70 ) for managing the at least one of the image and the generated information which one is received from the communication section.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a work management system for managingwork.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, an image capturing device is provided on, for example, aproduction site so as to manage work carried out on the production site(Patent Literatures 1 and 2).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[Patent Literature 1]

Japanese Patent Application Publication Tokukai No. 2005-242418(Publication date: Sep. 8, 2005)

[Patent Literature 2]

Japanese Patent Application Publication Tokukai No. 2006-301937(Publication date: Nov. 2, 2006)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, according to Patent Literatures 1 and 2, the image capturingdevice is provided at a given position on the production site. In thiscase, a blind spot is easily formed by a machine and the like on theproduction site. In particular, a work range of a worker easily gets ina blind spot of the image capturing device, depending on a positionwhere the worker stands. This causes a problem such that it is notpossible to accurately capture an image of the work range. Furthermore,in a case where the image capturing device is provided at a fixedlocation, it is likely that an image of the worker's face is captured.This imposes a great psychological burden on the worker.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, andan object of the present invention is to provide a work managementsystem capable of easily capturing an image of a work range of a workerwhile less imposing a psychological burden on the worker.

Solution to Problem

A work management system in accordance with the present invention is awork management system including: an image capturing device worn by aworker; and a server device, the image capturing device including: animage capturing section for capturing an image of a work range of theworker; and a communication section for transmitting, to the serverdevice, at least one of (i) the image captured by the image capturingsection and (ii) generated information generated in accordance with theimage, the server device including: a management section for managingthe at least one of the image and the generated information which one isreceived from the communication section.

A work management method in accordance with the present invention is amethod of managing a work management system including (i) an imagecapturing device worn by a worker and (ii) a server device, the imagecapturing device including an image capturing section for capturing animage of a work range of the worker, the method including the steps of:transmitting, to the server device, at least one of (i) the imagecaptured by the image capturing section and (ii) generated informationgenerated in accordance with the image; and managing the at least one ofthe image and the generated information which one is received by theserver device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a workmanagement system capable of easily capturing an image of a work rangeof a worker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of awork management system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an image capturing device included inthe work management system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates example lot managing information which is managed bya lot managing device of the work management system illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example work record accumulated in awork record accumulating section included in a server device of the workmanagement system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating example information stored in a checkresult storing section included in the server device of the workmanagement system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating example worker information stored in aworker information storing section included in the server device of thework management system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating example line information stored in a lineinformation storing section included in the server device of the workmanagement system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating movements of workers and workpieces in aconventional cell production system.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of how image capturing devicesare provided in the conventional cell production system.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an example two-dimensional code tableprepared in advance in Concrete Example 1 of the work management systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a movement of a worker which movement ismade with respect to the two-dimensional code table illustrated in FIG.10. (a) of FIG. 11 illustrates the movement made when work is to bestarted. (b) of FIG. 11 illustrated the movement made when the work isended.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in a work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 1.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process carried out bythe image capturing device of the work management system in accordancewith Concrete Example 1.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating positions of image capturing devices in acell production system in accordance with Concrete Example 1.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating positions of image capturing devices in acell production system in accordance with Concrete Example 3.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in a work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 6.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in a work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 7.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating an example two-dimensional code tableprepared in advance in Concrete Example 8.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in a work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 8.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an example screen which encourages inputof work type information and action contents information.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process carried out bythe image capturing device of the work management system in accordancewith Concrete Example 8.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating an example two-dimensional code tableprepared in advance in Concrete Example 9.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating an example display section of aninput-output terminal to four corners of which two-dimensional codes areattached.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in a work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 10.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process carried out bythe image capturing device of the work management system in accordancewith Concrete Example 10.

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a positional relationship between thedisplay section of the input-output terminal and a capturing range ofthe image capturing device.

FIG. 27 is a view illustrating an example two-dimensional code tableprepared in advance in Concrete Example 12.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are provided in a work management system of ConcreteExample 12.

FIG. 29 is a view illustrating an example two-dimensional code tableprepared in advance in Concrete Example 14.

FIG. 30 is a view illustrating an example measurement panel around whichtwo-dimensional codes are attached.

FIG. 31 is a view illustrating another example measurement panel aroundwhich two-dimensional codes are attached.

FIG. 32 is a view illustrating an example two-dimensional code tableprepared in advance in Concrete Example 18.

FIG. 33 is a view illustrating another example two-dimensional codetable prepared in advance in Concrete Example 18.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are provided in a work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 18.

FIG. 35 is a view illustrating a relationship between a change in statussignal outputted from a production device and a recording time period ofthe image capturing device in Concrete Example 18.

FIG. 36 is a view illustrating example trouble information generated bythe server device of Concrete Example 18.

FIG. 37 is a view illustrating an example search result screen on whicha result of searching for trouble information is displayed.

FIG. 38 is a view illustrating another example search result screen onwhich the result of searching for the trouble information is displayed.

FIG. 39 is a view illustrating further another example search resultscreen on which the result of searching for the trouble information isdisplayed.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of generatingtrouble information which process is carried out by the server device ofthe work management system in accordance with Concrete Example 10.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following description will discuss a work management system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention with reference toFIGS. 1 through 40. Note that the following description will discuss awork management system in a production line as an example. However, thework management system of the present invention is not limited to use inwork within a production line (such as processing, assembling,inspection, packaging and the like). The work management system of thepresent invention can be applied to various processes such as inspectionof components, treatment of wastes (such as factory waste, effluent,waste gas, trash and the like), management and inspection (maintenance)of machines, shipment of goods, and growing of agricultural produces.

(Overall Configuration of Work Management System)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of thework management system in accordance with the present embodiment. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, a work management system 1 includes aninput-output terminal 10, an image capturing device 20, a productiondevice 40, a lot managing device 50, a server device 60, a displayterminal 80, and an operation area restricting device 90. Note that aninput-output terminal 10, an image capturing device 20, and a productiondevice 40 are provided in each of a plurality of production lines.Alternatively, a plurality of input-output terminals 10, a plurality ofimage capturing devices 20, and a plurality of production devices 40 canbe provided in each of the plurality of production lines. FIG. 1 showsan example in which a plurality of image capturing devices 20 and aplurality of production devices 40 are provided in each of the pluralityof production lines.

The input-output terminal (display device) 10 is a terminal (i) intowhich a worker or a manager inputs work-related information and (ii) bywhich the worker or the manager examines work-related information.Examples of the information to be inputted by the worker or the managerencompass: a type of work to be carried out with respect to theproduction device 40; and contents of action taken against theproduction device 40. Examples of information to be examined by theworker or the manager encompass: information concerning the productiondevice 40 (e.g. specifications of the production device 40); productspecifications, lot numbers and production amount. The input-outputterminal 10 (i) transmits inputted information to the server device 60as well as (ii) obtains, from the server device 60, desired informationdesired by the worker or the manager so as to display the desiredinformation.

The image capturing device 20 is to be worn by the worker so as tocapture an image of a work range of the worker. The work range refers toa range which is located in front of the worker and which is locatedwithin the reach of the worker (e.g. around the worker's hands).Although a position at which the image capturing device 20 is to bemounted is not particularly limited, the position is preferably theupper body of the worker, particularly the worker's head. In a casewhere the image capturing device 20 is worn on the worker's head, theimage capturing device 20 is preferably worn so that an image capturingdirection is substantially identical to a line of sight of the worker.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the image capturing device 20 isof a glasses-type, and includes an image capturing section 21 at abridge part thereof. In the following description, the image capturingdevice 20 will be assumed to be of a glasses-type as illustrated in FIG.2.

The image capturing device 20 transmits, to the server device 60, (i) acaptured image or (ii) information (generated information) generatedbased on the captured image.

The production device 40 is a machine for producing a product. Theproduction device 40 of the present embodiment can be constituted by asingle unit, or can be constituted by a plurality of units. Theproduction device 40 constituted by a plurality of units is a machine inwhich units are combined together, examples of which units encompass (i)a conveyance unit for conveying a workpiece which is to be an object tobe processed, (ii) a heating unit for heating a workpiece, and (iii) acut unit for cutting a workpiece. The production device 40 transmits, tothe server device 60, status information that indicates a status of theproduction device 40.

The lot managing device 50 is a device for managing information (lotmanaging information) concerning a lot which is produced in a productionline. FIG. 3 illustrates the lot managing information. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the lot managing information is information in which each lot isassociated with: a lot number; a product ID that identifies a product;an order ID that identifies a written production instruction forproduction of the lot; a line name that identifies a production line inwhich the lot is produced; and a period (production period) in which thelot is produced.

The display terminal (display device) 80, in accordance with aninstruction inputted by the worker or the manager, (i) searches forinformation accumulated in stored in the server device 60 and (ii)displays a search result.

The server device 60 is capable of communicating with the input-outputterminal 10, the image capturing device 20, the production device 40,the lot managing device 50, and the display terminal 80. The serverdevice 60 obtains information supplied from each of the devices, andmanages the information. The server device 60 also generates informationin accordance with an instruction given by each of the devices, andtransmits the information to said each of the devices.

The operation area restricting device 90 is a device for restricting anoperation of an image capturing function of the image capturing device20 to the inside of a predetermined area (e.g. factory). The operationarea restricting device 90 is provided at each of doorways of thepredetermined area so as to carry out short-distance wirelesscommunication with an image capturing device 20 worn by any workerpassing through a doorway. The operation area restricting device 90 (i)transmits, to an image capturing device 20 worn by a worker exiting thepredetermined area, an instruction to deactivate the image capturingfunction and (ii) transmits, to an image capturing device 20 worn by aworker entering the predetermined area, an instruction to activate theimage capturing function.

A configuration of each of the devices will be schematically describedbelow.

(Input-Output Terminal)

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the input-output terminal 10 includes: akeyboard 11 and a mouse 12 serving as input sections; a display section13, a communication section 14; and a control section 15.

The display section 13 is a rectangular-shaped display. Thecommunication section 14 communicates with the server device 60 via awired or wireless connection.

The control section 15 controls the members of the input-output terminal10 all together. A control function of the control section 15 isrealized by a processing device, such as a CPU (Central ProcessingUnit), executing a control program.

For example, a worker or a manager inputs information such as a type ofwork and/or contents of work in a case where the worker or the managercarries out particular work. Then, the control section 15 controls thecommunication section 14 so that the communication section 14 transmitsthe information to the server device. In addition, upon reception of ascrolling instruction from the server device 60, the control section 15scrolls a display screen of the display section 13 in accordance withthe scrolling instruction.

(Image Capturing Device)

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image capturing device 20 includes: animage capturing section 21; a multidimensional code recognizing section22; a work target storing section 23; an acceleration sensor 24; amicrophone 25; a speaker 26; a camera ID storing section 27; a worker IDstoring section 28; an input support information storing section 29; acommunication section 30; and a control section 31.

The image capturing section 21 includes: an optical element such as alens to capture an image of a work range of a worker; and an imagingelement for converting light into an electric signal. The imagecapturing section 21 captures a moving image. The image capturingsection 21 supplies the moving image to the control section 31 and tothe multidimensional code recognizing section 22.

The multidimensional code recognizing section 22 recognizesmultidimensional codes contained in a frame of which the moving imagesupplied from the image capturing section 21 is made up. For each frame,in a case where the multidimensional code recognizing section 22recognizes the multidimensional codes from the each frame, themultidimensional code recognizing section 22 supplies all of themultidimensional codes to the control section 31. Note that to “supplymultidimensional codes to the control section 31” means to supply, tothe control section 31, codes recognized from an image of themultidimensional codes.

Examples of a multidimensional code encompass two-dimensional codes suchas QR Code (Registered Trademark), Data Matrix (Registered Trademark),PDF417, Maxi, Code, and Aztec Code. Although the following descriptionwill discuss a two-dimensional code as an example of themultidimensional code, the present invention is not limited to use of atwo-dimensional code.

Note that the multidimensional code recognizing section 22 can recognizemultidimensional codes from all of frames of which a moving imagesupplied from the image capturing section 21 is made up. Alternatively,the multidimensional code recognizing section 22 can recognizemultidimensional codes from part of the frames (e.g. one frame perpredetermined number of frames).

The work target storing section 23 stores information that indicates awork target which is determined in accordance with the multidimensionalcodes recognized by the multidimensional code recognizing section 22.Examples of the work target encompass: a machine ID (machineidentification information) which identifies the production device 40;an order ID (object identification information) which indicates awritten production instruction; and a lot number (object identificationinformation).

The acceleration sensor 24 is a movement detecting device for detectingacceleration of the glasses-type image capturing device 20 in a verticaldirection and in a horizontal direction. Therefore, in a case where theimage capturing device 20 is worn by a worker, it is possible to detect,by examining measured values of acceleration of the acceleration sensor24, whether or not the worker's head is vertically moved and whether ornot the worker's head is horizontally moved. The acceleration sensor 24supplies, to the control section 31, measured values of the accelerationin the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction.

The microphone 25 is a sound input device for converting a sound into anelectric signal and then supplying the electric signal to the controlsection 31. The speaker 26 converts the electric signal received fromthe control section 31 into a sound wave, and then outputs the soundwave.

The camera ID storing section 27 stores a camera ID which isidentification information uniquely assigned in advance to the imagecapturing device 20.

The worker ID storing section 28 stores a worker ID that identifies theworker wearing the image capturing device 20. In a case where a singleimage capturing device 20 is given per worker, (i) a worker ID issupplied in advance to the image capturing device 20 and (ii) the workerID thus supplied is stored in the worker ID storing section 28. In acase where a single image capturing device 20 is shared by a pluralityof workers who work in shifts, (i) a worker ID of a new worker to usethe image capturing device 20 is supplied to the image capturing device20 when workers to wear the image capturing device 20 are switched and(ii) the control section 31 updates, to the worker ID thus supplied, theworker ID stored in the worker ID storing section 28.

The input support information storing section 29 stores input supportinformation in which a combination of multidimensional codes isassociated with one of (i) predetermined information which is to be setas input information and (ii) an algorithm in accordance with which theinput information is determined.

The communication section 30 carries out wirelessly communication withthe server device 60. The communication section carries outshort-distance wireless communication with the operation arearestricting device 90. The wireless communication between thecommunication section 30 and the operation area restricting device 90 iscarried out within, for example, a range of approximately 1 (one) meter.

The control section 31 controls the members of the image capturingdevice 20 all together. A control function of the control section 31 isrealized by a processing device, such as a CPU (Central ProcessingUnit), executing a control program.

The control section 31 can, for example, control the communicationsection 30 so that the communication section 30 transmits an imagecaptured by the image capturing section 21 to the server device 60. Thecontrol section 31 can also serve as an information generating sectionthat (i) determines (generates) input information in accordance with (a)a combination of multidimensional codes of a single frame, whichmultidimensional codes have been recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 and (b) input support information and (ii)controls the members of the image capturing device 20 in accordance withthe input information thus determined. Alternatively, the controlsection 31 can control the members of the image capturing device 20 inaccordance with an instruction received from the server device 60. Aconcrete example of how the control section 31 controls the members willbe described later.

In a case where the control section 31 receives from the operation arearestricting device 90 an instruction to deactivate the image capturingfunction, the control section 31 causes an operation of the imagecapturing section 21 to be stopped. In a case where the control section31 receives from the operation area restricting device 90 an instructionto activate the image capturing function, the control section 31 causesthe image capturing section 21 to be activated.

(Production Device)

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the production device 40 includes an operatingsection 41, a sensor section 42, a drive section 43, a communicationsection 44, an abnormality reporting section 45, and a control section46.

The operating section 41 receives an operation instruction from aworker, and is constituted by, for example, various types of buttons.The operating section 41 supplies the operation instruction to thecontrol section 46. Examples of an operation instruction to be receivedby the operating section 41 encompass various well-known instructionssuch as activation instruction, stop instruction, and instruction tocancel abnormality reporting (trouble cancellation instruction).

The sensor section 42 includes various sensors for detecting the statusof the production device 40, and the various sensors can be anywell-known sensors. Examples of the wide variety of sensors included inthe sensor section 42 encompass (i) a sensor, provided in the conveyanceunit, which determines whether a workpiece exists and determines alocation of the workpiece, (ii) a temperature sensor provided in theheating unit, (iii) a measuring sensor, provided in an inspection unit,which measures a physical quantity of a workpiece, (iv) a voltage sensorprovided in a machine such as the production device 40, and (v) anelectric current sensor.

The drive section 43 is intended for driving the production device 40,and is constituted by, for example, a motor. The communication section44 communicates with the server device 60 via a wireless or wiredconnection.

The abnormality reporting section 45 is intended for reporting a workerthat some type of abnormality has occurred. The abnormality reportingsection 45 is constituted by, for example, a lamp and/or a speaker.

The control section 46 controls the members of the production device 40all together. A control function of the control section 46 is realizedby a processing device, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit),executing a control program.

Specifically, in a case where an activation instruction is given to theoperating section 41, the control section 46 causes the drive section 43to drive. In a case where a stop instruction is given to the operatingsection 41, the control section 46 causes the drive section 43 to stop.In a case where an output signal transmitted from the sensor section 42indicates outside a predetermined normal range, the control section 46recognizes that abnormality has occurred, so that the control section 46(i) causes the abnormality reporting section 45 to operate to carry outabnormality reporting and (ii) causes the drive section 43 to stop. Inthis case, the control section 46 stores a current time as anabnormality occurrence time. Examples of abnormality to be recognized bythe control section 46 encompass: a failure of the production device 40;various kinds of trouble; and a defect of a product produced by theproduction device 40.

The control section 46 also determines, in accordance with informationthat indicates correspondences between the sensors and respective unitsto be measured by the sensors, a unit ID which identifies a unit inwhich abnormality occurred. In a case where trouble cancellationinstruction is given to the operating section 41, the control section 46causes the abnormality reporting section 45 to stop abnormalityreporting.

The control section 46 generates a status signal in accordance with (i)a driving state of the drive section 43, (ii) an output signaltransmitted from the operating section 41, and (iii) an output signaltransmitted from the sensor section 42. Then, the control section 46controls the communication section 44 so that the communication section44 transmits the status signal to the server device 60. One specificexample of the status signal to be generated by the control section 46is an operation signal that (i) indicates, in a case where the drivesection 43 is driving, that the drive section 43 is driving and (ii)indicates, in a case where the drive section 43 is stopped, that thedrive section 43 is stopped. Another specific example of the statussignal to be generated by the control section 46 is a trouble signalthat (i) indicates, in a case where the abnormality reporting section 45is operating, that there is a trouble and (ii) indicates, in a casewhere the abnormality reporting section 45 is stopped, that abnormalityreporting is cancelled (abnormality reporting cancellation).

The control section 31 also transmits, to the server device 60 inresponse to a request from the server device 60, (i) a machine ID whichidentifies the production device 40 in which the control section 46 isincluded, (ii) a unit ID which identifies a unit in which abnormalityoccurred, and (iii) a time at which the abnormality occurred(abnormality occurrence time).

(Server Device)

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the server device 60 includes a communicationsection 61, an image storing section 62, a work record accumulatingsection 63, a check result storing section 64, a worker informationstoring section 65, a related information storing section 66, a lineinformation storing section 67, and a control section 70.

The communication section 61 communicates with the input-output terminal10, the image capturing device 20, the production device 40, the lotmanaging device 50, and the display terminal 80.

The image storing section 62 stores therein image data of an image whichhas been captured by the image capturing device 20. The image storingsection 62 can store therein the image data such that each piece ofimage data is associated with (i) a corresponding worker ID whichidentifies a worker wearing the image capturing device 20 whichoutputted said each piece of image data and (ii) a corresponding cameraID which identifies the image capturing device 20. The image data storedin the image storing section 62 is updated by the control section 70.

The work record accumulating section (input information storing section)63 accumulates (stores) a work record. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating anexample work record accumulated in the work record accumulating section63. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the work record accumulating section 63accumulates a work record in which each work is associated with (i) aworker ID that indicates a worker who carried out the work, (ii) amachine ID that identifies a production device 40 by which the work wascarried out, (iii) a work start time at which the work started, (iv) awork end time at which the work was ended, (v) a type of the work, and(iv) contents of action (work contents).

The check result storing section (input information storing section) 64stores check information that shows information on each of check items.FIG. 5 is a view illustrating example information stored in the checkresult storing section 64. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the check resultstoring section 64 stores check information in which each check item isassociated with (i) a check item name, (ii) a checker ID that identifiesa checking worker, (iii) a check time, and (iv) a check result.

The worker information storing section 65 stores worker informationwhich is information related to a worker. FIG. 6 is a view illustratingexample worker information stored in the worker information storingsection 65. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the worker information storingsection 65 stores worker information in which each production line isassociated with (i) a line name that identifies the production line,(ii) a place name (location name) of a location at which the productionline is provided, (iii) a worker ID (worker identification information,particular worker identification information) that identifies a workercarrying out work in the production line, (iv) a worker name, (v) acamera ID that identifies an image capturing device 20 worn by theworker, and (vi) an main worker flag (particular worker identificationinformation) assigned only to a main worker in charge (particularworker) in the production line. The worker information storing section65 stores, for each working period, the worker information asillustrated in FIG. 6. The worker information stored in the workerinformation storing section 65 is created in advance by a manager thatmanages attendance.

The related information storing section 66 stores related informationrelated to the production device 40 and to a written productioninstruction. Specifically, the related information storing section 66stores, for each production device 40, a machine ID (machineidentification information) which identifies the production device 40and machine-related information related to the production device 40 suchthat the machine ID and the machine-related information are associatedwith each other. Examples of the machine-related information encompassspecifications of the production device 40, a user manual for theproduction device 40, a solution to trouble, and a maintenanceprocedure. The related information storing section 66 also stores, foreach written production instruction, an order ID (object identificationinformation) which identifies the written production instruction andproduct-related information (object-related information) related to aproduct and a lot indicated by the written production instruction, suchthat the order ID and the product-related information are associatedwith each other. Examples of the product-related information encompassproduct specifications, product performance, and product standards. Theinformation stored in the related information storing section 66 iscreated in advance by a manager or the like.

The line information storing section 67 stores information (lineinformation) related to a production line. FIG. 7 is a view illustratingexample line information stored in the line information storing section67. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the line information storing section 67stores line information in which each production line is associated with(i) a line name that identifies the production line, (ii) a place name(location name) of a place at which the production line is provided, and(iii) a machine ID for identifying a production device 40 provided inthe production line. The line information stored in the line informationstoring section 67 is created in advance by a manager.

The control section 70 controls the members of the server device 60 alltogether. A control function of the control section 70 is realized by aprocessing device, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), executing acontrol program.

For example, the control section 70 functions as a management sectionfor managing at least one of the following: (i) image data received froman image capturing device 20 and (ii) information (generatedinformation) generated in accordance with an image captured. That is,the control section 70 causes the image data, which has been receivedfrom the image capturing device 20, to be stored in the image storingsection 62. In addition, the control section 70 can create a work recordbased on information received from the image capturing device 20 and/orthe input-output terminal 10, and then cause the work record to bestored in the work record accumulating section 63. Likewise, the controlsection 70 can create check information based on information receivedfrom the image capturing device 20 and/or the input-output terminal 10,and then cause the check information to be stored in the check resultstoring section 64. In addition, the control section 70 can control thecommunication section 61 so that the communication section 61 transmits,in accordance with a status signal received from a production device 40,an instruction to the image capturing device 20. In addition, thecontrol section 70 can (i) search, in accordance with a searchinstruction transmitted from the display terminal 80, for informationstored in the image storing section 62 and then (ii) supply a searchresult to the display terminal 80. Concrete examples of a process of thecontrol section 70 will be described later.

(Display Terminal)

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display terminal 80 includes (i) akeyboard 81 and a mouse 82 serving as input sections, (ii) a displaysection 83, (iii) a communication section 84, and (iv) a control section85.

The display section 83 is a rectangular-shaped display. Thecommunication section 84 communicates with the server device 60 via awired or wireless connection.

The control section 85 controls the member s of the display terminal 80all together. A control function of the control section 85 is realizedby a processing device, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit),executing a control program. For example, a worker or a manager caninput a search request that a search for an image stored in the imagestoring section 62 of the server device 60 be carried out. Then, thecontrol section 85 (i) controls the communication section 84 so that thecommunication section 84 transmits the search request to the serverdevice 60 and (ii) causes a search result screen, which has beenreceived from the server device 60, to be displayed on the displaysection 83.

(Concrete Examples of Work Management System)

The following description will discuss concrete examples of a processcarried out by the work management system 1 in accordance with thepresent embodiment. Note that the concrete examples in the followingdescriptions can be carried out in combination as needed.

Concrete Example 1 Process of Creating Moving-Image Work StandardProblem to be Solved by Concrete Example 1

Conventionally, written work standard that show work procedures are madefor use in a production site. Meanwhile, in recent years, an increasingnumber of sites in the assembling and manufacturing industry areemploying a cell production system in which one or several workers arein charge of an entire process from component mounting to assembling toprocessing to inspecting. Note that the cell production system is aproduction system in which work is carried out on a line (called “cell”)on which component and tools are arranged in the shape of the letter Uor the like. The cell production system is suitable for small-volumeproduction in great varieties. Therefore, if a written work standard isto be created for each product to be produced, then it is necessary toprepare a large number of written work standards in advance. Note that,with the cell production system, it is possible to change, as necessary,the number of workers to be assigned to a cell, depending on a requiredamount of production. In this case, work to be carried out by eachworker varies, depending on the number of workers assigned to the cell.This necessitates preparation of written work standards according tovarying numbers of workers assigned to the cell. FIG. 8 is a viewillustrating movements of workers and workpieces in cells, in each ofwhich a first step through a fifth step are arranged in the shape of theletter U. (a) of FIG. 8 illustrates a case where a single worker isworking. (b) of FIG. 8 illustrates a case where two workers are working.(c) of FIG. 8 illustrates a case where three workers are working. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, work to be carried out by each worker varies,depending on the number of workers assigned to the cell. According tothe cell production system, a significantly large number of patterns ofwork are thus carried out by workers. This causes the number of writtenwork standards corresponding to respective patterns to be large as well.Therefore, it is difficult to create a written work standard for eachproduct and each pattern according to the number of workers assigned toa cell.

Under the circumstances, instead of paper-based written work standards,moving-image work standards (video-based work standards) for showingwork procedures by moving images are created in recent years. Asdescribed earlier, however, an image capturing device fixed to a givenlocation of a production site easily has a blind spot. In order toreduce as many blind spots as possible, it is unfortunately necessary toprovide a large number of image capturing devices. In a case of the cellproduction system, in particular, workers often carry out their workwhile facing varying directions. This results in a significantly largenumber of image capturing devices for capturing images of work ranges ofthe workers.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of how image capturing devices areprovided in a conventional cell production system. (a) of FIG. 9 showsan entire part of the cell production system. (b) of FIG. 9 illustratesone of the steps involved in the cell production system. According tothe example of FIG. 9, (i) a first step through a fifth step areinvolved and (ii) each of the steps is provided with a workbench 300 andwith a component shelf 400 in which components for use in work arestored. According to the cell production system illustrated in FIG. 9, aworkbench 300 and a component shelf 400 are included in a work range ofeach worker. In order to capture images of work on the workbenches 300,a single image capturing device 200 is provided for each workbench 300so as to be located above the workbench 300. Note, however, that theimage capturing device 200 is fixed to such a position as to capture animage of the workbench 300. This makes it impossible to capture an imageof the component shelf 400. Therefore, another image capturing device200 is provided at a position so that the image of the component shelf400 can also be captured. According to the cell production systemillustrated in FIG. 9, the respective component shelves 400 of the firststep and of the second step are facing in the same direction. Therefore,a single image capturing device 210 a, which can simultaneously captureimages of the respective component shelves 400 of the first step and ofthe second step, is provided. Likewise, the respective component shelves400 of the fourth step and of the fifth step are facing in the samedirection. Therefore, a single image capturing device 210 b, which cansimultaneously capture images of the component shelves 400 of the fourthstep and of the fifth step, is provided. Since the component shelf 400of the third step is facing in a direction different of the directionsof the other component shelves 400, an additional image capturing device210 c is prepared. In the case of the cell production system illustratedin FIG. 9, a total of eight image capturing devices 200 and 210 are thusrequired for capturing the images of the work ranges of the workers. Inaddition, if an additional overhead image capturing device(s) forchecking the movements of the workers is provided, then the number ofimage capturing devices increases.

Since the cell production system is suitable for production in greatvarieties, a layout may be frequently changed according to a type ofproduct to be produced. In such a case, positions at which to providethe image capturing devices 200 and 210 need to be adjusted accordingly.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, an image capturing device 200 to capture animage of a region above a workbench 300 also captures an image of aworker's face together with the region. This causes the worker to have apsychological burden of being image-captured.

Concrete Example 1 is to solve such problems, and is intended to providea work management system capable of easily creating, without causing anincrease in the number of image capturing devices, a plurality ofpatterns of moving-image work standards while less imposing apsychological burden on a worker(s).

Configuration of Work Management System of Concrete Example 1

According to the work management system 1 of Concrete Example 1, amoving-image work standard is created by giving an image capturingdevice 20 to a worker who is proficient at work.

In addition, a two-dimensional code table as illustrated in FIG. 10 iscreated in advance for each work of which a moving-image work standardis to be created. FIG. 10 illustrates a two-dimensional code tablecorresponding to work A. In FIG. 10, two-dimensional codes C1 and C4,which are located at respective both sides, are each a code uniquelyassigned to a corresponding work, and are each a work type code thatindicates the work. In a case where a plurality of workers work in acell production system, work type codes are uniquely set for workcarried out by each worker. For example, in a case where work A iscarried out by three workers, (i) work assigned to a first worker isprovided with a work type code that indicates “work A-1,” (ii) workassigned to a second worker is provided with a work type code thatindicates “work A-2,” and (iii) work assigned to a third worker isprovided with a work type code that indicates “work A-3.”

A second two-dimensional code C2 from the left is an at-start shieldedcode that is shielded by a hand or the like in a case where work is tobe started. In a case where a worker is to start the work, the workerplaces his/her hand over the two-dimensional code C2 (serving as anat-start shielded code) while looking at the two-dimensional code table(see (a) of FIG. 11).

A third two-dimensional code C3 from the left is an at-end shielded codethat is shielded by a hand or the like in a case where work is ended. Ina case where the worker ends the work, the worker places his/her handover the two-dimensional code C3 (serving as an at-end shielded code)while looking at the two-dimensional code table (see (b) of FIG. 11).

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in the work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 1. As illustrated in FIG. 12, a controlsection 31 of the image capturing device 20 includes an instructionreceiving section 31 a and a moving-image work standard generatingsection 31 b. A control section 70 of the server device 60 includes awork standard processing section 70 a.

According to Concrete Example 1, an input support information storingsection 29 of the image capturing device 20 stores therein, for eachwork, (i) first input support information which supports input of astart instruction to start said each work and (ii) second input supportinformation which supports input of an end instruction to end said eachwork.

The first input support information is information in which a firstcombination of (a) two-dimensional codes C1 and C4, located atrespective both sides of a two-dimensional code table as illustrated inFIG. 10, and (b) a two-dimensional code C3 serving as an at-end shieldedcode is associated with a creation start instruction to which a work IDthat identifies corresponding work is added.

The second input support information is information in which a secondcombination of (a) the two-dimensional codes C1 and C4, located at therespective both sides of the two-dimensional code table as illustratedin FIG. 10, and (b) a two-dimensional code C2 serving as an at-startshielded code is associated with a creation end instruction to which thework ID that identifies the corresponding work is added.

The instruction receiving section 31 a receives, in accordance with thefirst input support information and the second input supportinformation, (i) the creation start instruction to start creating amoving-image work standard and (ii) the creation end instruction to endcreation of the moving-image work standard. Specifically, theinstruction receiving section 31 a determines which of combinations ofinput support information stored in the input support informationstoring section 29 matches a combination of two-dimensional codes whichhave been recognized by a multidimensional code recognizing section 22from a latest frame. Then, in a case where any combination of the inputsupport information matches the combination of the two-dimensionalcoeds, the instruction receiving section 31 a receives an instruction inaccordance with the input support information.

Then, the instruction receiving section 31 a supplies the instruction tothe moving-image work standard generating section 31 b. Note, however,that the instruction receiving section 31 a determines, in accordancewith a work status flag, whether or not to supply the instruction.Specifically, only in a case where a work status flag shows “notworking,” the instruction receiving section 31 a outputs the creationstart instruction and changes the work status flag to “working.” Inaddition, only in a case where the work status flag shows “working,” theinstruction receiving section 31 a outputs the creation end instructionand changes the work status flag to “not working.”

As has been described, in a case where the worker is to start the work,the worker places his/her hand over the at-start shielded code asillustrated in (a) of FIG. 11. In this case, the two-dimensional code C2serving as an at-start shielded code is hidden by the worker's hand.Therefore, the multidimensional code recognizing section 22 of the imagecapturing device 20, which captures an image of the worker's hands,recognizes, from a captured frame, the combination of (i) thetwo-dimensional codes C1 and C4 located at the respective both sides ofthe two-dimensional code table and (ii) the two-dimensional code C3serving as an at-end shielded code (which combination identical to thefirst combination). Therefore, the instruction receiving section 31 areceives, in accordance with the first input support information, acreation start instruction corresponding to the first combination. Notethat, to the creation start instruction, a work ID corresponding to thetwo-dimensional code table is added.

Likewise, in a case where the worker ends the work, the worker placeshis/her hand over the at-end shielded code as illustrated in (b) of FIG.11. In this case, the two-dimensional code C3 serving as an at-endshielded code is hidden by the worker's hand. Therefore, themultidimensional code recognizing section 22 of the image capturingdevice 20, which captures an image of the worker's hands, recognizes,from a captured frame, the combination of (i) the two-dimensional codesC1 and C4 located at the respective both sides of the two-dimensionalcode table and (ii) the two-dimensional code C2 serving as an at-startshielded code (which combination identical to the second combination).Therefore, the instruction receiving section 31 a receives, inaccordance with the second input support information, a creation endinstruction corresponding to the second combination. Note that, to thecreation end instruction, the work ID corresponding to thetwo-dimensional code table is added.

Upon reception of the creation start instruction from the instructionreceiving section 31 a, the moving-image work standard generatingsection 31 b starts recording a moving image captured by the imagecapturing section 21. In this case, the work ID added to the creationstart instruction is added to moving image data thus recorded. Uponreception of the creation end instruction from the instruction receivingsection 31 a, the moving-image work standard generating section 31 b (i)stops the recording of the moving image data to which the work ID isadded, which work ID is identical to the work ID added to the creationend instruction and (ii) generates, as a moving-image work standard, themoving image data which has been recorded. Then, the moving-image workstandard generating section 31 b controls a communication section 30 sothat the communication section 30 transmits, to the server device 60,the moving-image work standard to which the work ID is added. In thiscase, it is possible to add, to the moving-image work standard to betransmitted, at least one of (i) a worker ID stored in a worker IDstoring section 28 and (ii) a camera ID stored in a camera ID storingsection 27.

The work standard processing section 70 a of the server device 60stores, in an image storing section 62, the moving-image work standardreceived from the image capturing device 20. In so doing, the workstandard processing section 70 a associates, with the moving-image workstandard to be stored, (i) the work ID added to the moving-image workstandard, (ii) a worker ID, and (iii) a camera ID.

The work standard processing section 70 a also receives, from aninput-output terminal 10 or a display terminal 80, a delivery requestwhich requests, by specifying a work ID, delivery of a moving-image workstandard. Then, the work standard processing section 70 a (i) reads out,from the image storing section 62, a moving-image work standardcorresponding to the work ID specified by the delivery request and then(ii) supplies, to the terminal which transmitted the delivery request,the moving-image work standard thus read out. This allows the worker tocheck the moving-image work standard.

Flow of Process in Concrete Example 1

A flow of a process carried out by the work management system 1 inaccordance with Concrete Example 1 will be described next. FIG. 13 is aflowchart illustrating a flow of a process carried out by the imagecapturing device 20 in accordance with Concrete Example 1.

First, a worker, who is assigned the image capturing device 20, puts onthe image capturing device 20 and then turns on the image capturingdevice 20. This causes the multidimensional code recognizing section 22of the image capturing device 20 to start a process of recognizingtwo-dimensional codes contained in a frame captured by the imagecapturing section 21. Note that a work status flag of the instructionreceiving section 31 a is set so that, when the image capturing device20 is turned on, the work status flag shows “not working.”

Then, the instruction receiving section 31 a determines whether or nottwo-dimensional codes are recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 (step S1). The instruction receiving section 31 acan determine, by determining whether or not the two-dimensional codeshave been outputted from the multidimensional code recognizing section22, whether or not the two-dimensional codes have been recognized by themultidimensional code recognizing section 22. In a case of No in thestep S1, the step S1 is repeated with respect to a following frame.

In a case where the two-dimensional codes are recognized (Yes, in thestep S1), the instruction receiving section 31 a determines whether ornot a combination of the two-dimensional codes which are recognized froma single frame by the multidimensional code recognizing section 22matches the first combination (step S2). Since the first combination isassociated with the creation start instruction, what is determined inthe step S2 means whether or not creation of a moving-image workstandard is to be started.

Note that, as has been described, in a case where the worker placeshis/her hand over the at-start shielded code of the two-dimensional codetable, the combination of the two-dimensional codes C1 and C4 (locatedat the respective both sides of the two-dimensional code table) and thetwo-dimensional code C3 serving as an at-end shielded code (i.e.combination identical to the first combination) is recognized. Only thiscase results in Yes in the step S2. For example, Yes is not determinedin the step S2 in a case where (i) the two-dimensional codes C3 and C4,which are the two codes on the right side of the two-dimensional codetable, are captured in an end part of an area captured by the imagecapturing section 21 or (ii) all of the four two-dimensional codes C1 toC4 of the two-dimensional code table are captured. In other words, Yesis determined in the step S2 only in a case where the two-dimensionalcode table is captured while only the at-start shielded code is hiddenby the hand or the like. Such a state rarely occurs unless the workerintends it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image capturingdevice 20 from malfunctioning.

In a case of Yes in the step S2, the instruction receiving section 31 adetermines whether or not the work status flag shows “not working” (stepS3). In a case of No in the step S3, the step S1 is repeated withrespect to a following frame. In a case of Yes in the step S3, on theother hand, the instruction receiving section 31 a (i) changes the workstatus flag to “working” (step S4), (ii) reads out, from the inputsupport information storing section 29, the creation start instructioncorresponding to the first combination which the combination of thetwo-dimensional codes recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 are determined as matching in the step S3, andthen (iii) supplies, to the moving-image work standard generatingsection 31 b, the creation start instruction thus read out. Then, themoving-image work standard generating section 31 b starts recording amoving image captured by the image capturing section 21 (step S5).

In a case of No in the step S2, on the other hand, the instructionreceiving section 31 a determines whether or not the combination of thetwo-dimensional codes recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 matches the second combination (step S6). Sincethe second combination is associated with the creation end instruction,what is determined in the step S6 means whether or not the creation ofthe moving-image work standard is to be ended. In a case of No in thestep S6, the step S1 is repeated with respect to a following frame.

After the process in the step S5, the worker starts carrying out work.During the work, the image capturing section 21 continues to record awork range of the worker (e.g. an image of an area above a workbench300, an image of a component shelf 40, and the like). Then, when thework is ended, the worker places his/her hand over the at-end shieldedcode of the two-dimensional code table. In so doing, a combination ofthe two-dimensional codes C1 and C4 (located at the respective bothsides of the two-dimensional code table) and the two-dimensional code C2serving as an at-start shielded code (combination identical to thesecond combination) is recognized. Only this case results in Yes in thestep S6.

In a case of Yes in the step S6, the instruction receiving section 31 adetermines whether or not the work status flag shows “working” (stepS7). In a case of No in the step S7, the step S1 is repeated withrespect to a following frame. In a case of Yes in the step S7, theinstruction receiving section 31 a (i) changes the work status flag to“not working” (step S8), (ii) reads out, from the input supportinformation storing section 29, the creation end instructioncorresponding to the second combination which the combination of thetwo-dimensional codes recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 are determined as matching in the step S6, andthen (iii) supplies, to the moving-image work standard generatingsection 31 b, the creation end instruction thus read out. Then, themoving-image work standard generating section 31 b ends the recordingwhich is being carried out by the image capturing section 21 (step S9).Then, the moving-image work standard generating section 31 b creates, asa moving-image work standard, moving image data obtained by therecording. Then, the moving-image work standard generating section 31 btransmits, via the communication section 30, the moving-image workstandard to the server device 60 (step S10). In so doing, themoving-image work standard generating section 31 b adds, to themoving-image work standard to be supplied, respective work IDs added tothe creation start instruction and to the creation end instruction.

According to Concrete Example 1, since the worker wears an imagecapturing device 20 which captures a work range of the worker, it ispossible to capture the work range with the use of a small number ofimage capturing devices 20. FIG. 14 illustrates how image capturingdevices 20 are provided in a case where three workers carry out work ina cell production system. As illustrated in FIG. 14, since each workerwears a single image capturing device 20, all of a work range can becaptured. This allows a moving-image work standard to be easily createdwithout causing an increase in the number of image capturing devices 20.In addition, the image capturing devices 20 are provided so as tocapture work ranges of the respective workers without capturing(particularly faces of) the workers themselves. This prevents theworkers from having a psychological burden of being image-captured.

In a case where moving-image work standards are created in a pluralityof patterns in which the number of workers in the cell production systemvaries, a moving-image work standard for work assigned to each workercan be easily created by providing each worker in the cell productionsystem with a single image capturing device 20.

In addition, even in a case where the layout of the cell productionsystem is changed, it is unnecessary, unlike the conventional fixed-typeimage capturing devices, to be concerned about positions at which toprovide the image capturing devices 20. This is because the imagecapturing devices 20 are to be worn by the workers.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a work management system 1 capableof easily creating, without causing an increase in the number of imagecapturing devices, a plurality of patterns of moving-image workstandards while less imposing a psychological burden on a worker(s).

Concrete Example 2 Variation of Concrete Example 1

Concrete Example 2 is a variation of Concrete Example 1. Therefore, onlydifferences between Concrete Example 1 and Concrete Example 2 will bedescribed below. In Concrete Example 1, the instruction receivingsection 31 a receives, in accordance with two-dimensional codes suppliedfrom the multidimensional code recognizing section 22, a creation startinstruction and a creation end instruction. According to ConcreteExample 2, however, an instruction receiving section 31 a receives acreation start instruction and a creation end instruction with the useof a sound.

The instruction receiving section 31 a stores, in advance, soundpatterns respectively corresponding to the creation start instructionand to the creation end instruction. Then, the instruction receivingsection 31 a receives the creation start instruction or the creation endinstruction by checking, against the sound patterns, a sound inputtedinto a microphone 25. In this case, a worker can easily create amoving-image work standard by merely uttering a preset sound (e.g.“Start work A,” “End work A,” “Start the first step of work A,” and “Endthe second step of work A,” and the like).

Concrete Example 3 Variation of Concrete Example 1

Concrete Example 3 is a variation of Concrete Example 1. Therefore, onlydifferences between Concrete Example 1 and Concrete Example 3 will bedescribed below. As illustrated in FIG. 15, a work management system 1of Concrete Example 3 includes, in order to check a movement of aworker, an overhead camera 120 of a fixed type apart from imagecapturing devices 20 worn by respective workers.

In a case where an instruction receiving section 31 a receives acreation start instruction, the instruction receiving section 31 acontrols a communication section 30 so that the communication section 30transmits the creation start instruction not only to a moving-image workstandard generating section 31 b but also to a server device 60. In acase where the instruction receiving section 31 a receives a creationend instruction, the instruction receiving section 31 a controls thecommunication section 30 so that the communication section 30 transmitsthe creation end instruction not only to the moving-image work standardgenerating section 31 b but also to the server device 60.

Then, a work standard processing section 70 a of the server device 60(i) obtains, from the overhead camera, a moving image(downward-perspective moving image) recorded from (a) a time point atwhich the creation start instruction was received from the imagecapturing device 20 to (b) a time point at which the creation endinstruction was received and (ii) stores, in an image storing section62, the downward-perspective moving image thus obtained in associationwith a moving-image work standard.

In this way, it is possible to check a work range of a worker as well ascheck a movement of the worker.

Concrete Example 4 Variation of Concrete Example 1

Concrete Example 4 is a variation of Concrete Example 1. Therefore, onlydifferences between Concrete Example 1 and Concrete Example 4 will bedescribed below. In Concrete Example 4, a moving-image work standardgenerating section 31 b carries out, in addition to carrying out theprocess described in Concrete Example 1, process as follows: (i) in acase where the moving-image work standard generating section 31 breceives a creation start instruction, the moving-image work standardgenerating section 31 b starts recording a sound inputted into amicrophone 25 and (ii) in a case where the moving-image work standardgenerating section 31 b receives a creation end instruction, themoving-image work standard generating section 31 b stops recording thesound. Then, the moving-image work standard generating section 31 badds, to a moving-image work standard, the sound data thus recorded.Then, the moving-image work standard generating section 31 b transmitsthe sound data to the server device 60. In this way, a worker, whocreates a moving-image work standard, can create, by carrying out workwhile uttering a note of caution, a moving-image work standard to whicha sound with a note of caution is added.

A work standard processing section 70 a of the server device 60 stores,in the image storing section 62, the moving-image work standard and thesound data, which have been received from the image capturing device 20,in association with each other. In addition, in a case where the workstandard processing section 70 a receives a delivery request, the workstandard processing section 70 a delivers the moving-image work standardand the sound data in such a format that the moving-image work standardand the sound data can be synchronized.

Concrete Example 5 Variation of Concrete Example 1

Concrete Example 5 is a variation of Concrete Example 1. Therefore, onlydifferences between Concrete Example 1 and Concrete Example 5 will bedescribed below. In Concrete Example 5, a work standard processingsection 70 a of a server device 60 obtains, in advance for each work ofwhich a work standard is to be created, work standard information thatis associated with a work ID and with a worker ID. For example, theserver device 60 only needs to obtain work standard information whichhas been supplied by a manager via an external device such as aninput-output terminal 10.

In addition, in Concrete Example 5, in a case where a moving-image workstandard generating section 31 b of an image capturing device 20transmits a moving-image work standard to the server device 60, themoving-image work standard generating section 31 b adds, to themoving-image work standard, (i) a work ID and (ii) a worker ID stored ina worker ID storing section 28.

When the work standard processing section 70 a of the server device 60receives the moving-image work standard from the image capturing device20, the work standard processing section 70 a determines whether or notthe work ID and the worker ID added to the moving-image work standardmatch the work standard information obtained in advance. Then, only in acase where the work ID and the worker ID match the work standardinformation, the work standard processing section 70 a stores themoving-image work standard in an image storing section 62.

In this way, the following is true: In a case where an image capturingdevice 20 is given to a worker who is not to create a moving-image workstandard, the work standard processing section 70 a does not storemoving-image work standard in the image storing section 62 even if themoving-image work standard is accidentally transmitted from the imagecapturing device 20 to the server device 60 due to a malfunction. Thisprevents any moving-image work standard from being unintentionallyaccumulated in the server device 60.

Concrete Example 6 Process of Setting Standard Time Problem to be Solvedby Concrete Example 6

Conventionally, in a production site, a standard time of each work isset in order to make out a production schedule. In general, a managermeasures a work time while examining a worker's work near the worker. Astandard time of the work is set based on the work time thus measured.

However, a work time varies depending on a level of a worker's skill.Accordingly, in order to set a standard time at a production site wherea plurality of workers having different levels of skills work, it isnecessary to measure a work time with respect to each of the pluralityof workers, and consequently it takes a lot of trouble to set a standardtime. Furthermore, a work time varies also depending on dailyimprovement in the work, and it takes a lot of trouble to measure a worktime frequently.

A possible solution to this problem is, as in Patent Literatures 1 and2, to provide a production site with an image capturing device, checkinga moving image captured by the image capturing device to calculate awork time of each worker, thereby setting a standard time. However, inthis solution, there is a case where a fixed-type image capturing devicehas many blind spots and consequently cannot accurately capture an imageof a work range of a worker. In such a case, it is difficult todetermine when a work starts and when the work ends.

Concrete Example 6 is to solve this problem and is intended to provide awork management system capable of easily setting a standard time byaccurately capturing an image of a work range of a worker.

Configuration of Work Management System of Concrete Example 6

Also in a work management system 1 in accordance with Concrete Example6, a two-dimensional code table as described in Concrete Example 1 withreference to FIG. 10 is created in advance. In a case where a worker isto start work, the worker places his/her hand over a two-dimensionalcode C2 which is an at-start shielded code, while looking at thetwo-dimensional code table (see (a) of FIG. 11). Similarly, in a casewhere the worker ends the work, the worker places his/her hand over atwo-dimensional code C3 which is an at-end shielded code, while lookingat the two-dimensional code table (see (b) of FIG. 11). In ConcreteExample 6, the image capturing device 20 is assigned to each worker.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in the work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 6. As illustrated in FIG. 16, a controlsection 31 of an image capturing device 20 includes an input informationdetermining section 31 d and a work time calculating section 31 c. Acontrol section 70 of a server device 60 includes a standard timesetting section 70 b.

An input support information storing section 29 of Concrete Example 6stores therein, for each work, third input support information whichsupports input of a work start time and fourth input support informationwhich supports input of a work end time.

The third input support information is information in which a thirdcombination of (i) two-dimensional codes C1 and C4 located at respectiveboth sides of a two-dimensional code table as illustrated in FIG. 10 and(ii) a two-dimensional code C3 serving as an at-end shielded code isassociated with a third algorithm. The third algorithm is an algorithmin accordance with which (i) a current time is set as a work start timeand (ii) a work time calculating instruction, including the work starttime and a work ID that identifies a corresponding work, is set as inputinformation.

The fourth input support information is information in which a fourthcombination of (i) the two-dimensional codes C1 and C4 located at therespective both sides of the two-dimensional code table as illustratedin FIG. 10 and (ii) a two-dimensional code C2 serving as an at-startshielded code is associated with a fourth algorithm. The fourthalgorithm is an algorithm in accordance with which (i) a current time isset as a work end time and (ii) a work time calculating instruction,including the work end time and the work ID that identifies thecorresponding work, is set as the input information.

The input information determining section 31 d determines inputinformation on a basis of (i) a combination of two-dimensional codeswhich are outputted for each frame from the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 and (ii) input support information, and outputsthe input information thus determined. In Concrete Example 6, the inputinformation determining section 31 d supplies such determined inputinformation to another component (work time calculating section 31 c inConcrete Example 6) in the control section 31.

In Concrete Example 6, in a case where a hand is placed over theat-start shielded code (see in (a) of FIG. 11) and the combination ofthe two-dimensional codes C1 and C4 and the two-dimensional code C3which is the at-end shielded code (combination identical to the thirdcombination) is recognized, the input information determining section 31d sets a current time as the work start time in accordance with thethird algorithm corresponding to the third combination. Then, the inputinformation determining section 31 d specifies, as the inputinformation, a work time calculating instruction including the work IDand the work start time which are designated in accordance with thethird algorithm, and supplies the work time calculating instruction tothe work time calculating section 31 c.

In a case where a hand is placed over the at-end shielded code (see (b)of FIG. 11) and the combination of the two-dimensional codes C1 and C4and the two-dimensional code C2 which is the at-start shielded code(combination identical to the fourth combination) is recognized, theinput information determining section 31 d sets the current time as thework end time in accordance with the fourth algorithm corresponding tothe fourth combination. Then, the input information determining section31 d specifies, as the input information, a work time calculatinginstruction including the work ID and the work end time which aredesignated in accordance with the fourth algorithm, and supplies thework time calculating instruction to the work time calculating section31 c.

The work time calculating section 31 c calculates, for each work ID, awork time which is a difference between the work start time and the workend time which are included in the respective work time calculatinginstructions supplied from the input information determining section 31d, and controls the communication section 30 to transmit, to the serverdevice 60, the work time thus calculated and the work ID in associationwith each other.

The standard time setting section 70 b of the server device 60 obtains,for each work ID, distribution of work times transmitted from the imagecapturing device 20 in association with the work ID. In this process,the standard time setting section 70 b obtains distribution of worktimes which have been transmitted from the image capturing device 20during a period between the present time and a time in a predeterminedtime (e.g. 1 week) before the present time. Then, the standard timesetting section 70 b sets, for each work ID, a standard time based onthe distribution of the work times. That is, the standard time settingsection 70 b sets a standard time by accumulating performance data ofthe work times received from the image capturing device 20 and carryingout a statistical work on the performance data. For example, thestandard time setting section 70 b may set, as a standard time, arepresenting value of the distribution of work times, such as a modevalue, a mean value, and a medium value. The standard time settingsection 70 b outputs the standard time thus set in response to a requestfrom the input-output terminal 10 or the display terminal 80. Thus, atan appropriate timing, a manager can easily check a standard time basedon recent work times.

In Concrete Example 6, by a worker wearing the image capturing device20, it is possible to automatically and easily set a standard time ofeach work.

Concrete Example 7 Variation of Concrete Example 6

Concrete Example 7 is a variation of Concrete Example 6. In ConcreteExample 6, the image capturing device 20 includes the work timecalculating section 31 c, whereas in Concrete Example 7, a server device60 calculates a work time.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in the work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 7. As illustrated in FIG. 17, a controlsection 31 of an image capturing device 20 includes an input informationdetermining section 31 d. A control section 70 of the server device 60includes a work time calculating section 70 c and a standard timesetting section 70 b.

As with the case of Concrete Example 6, the input informationdetermining section 31 d determines input information, and outputs theinput information thus determined. However, in Concrete Example 7, theinput information determining section 31 d controls a communicationsection 30 to transmit the input information to the server device 60.That is, the input information determining section 31 d in ConcreteExample 7 is different from that in Concrete Example 6 only in that theinput information determining section 31 d in Concrete Example 7supplies the input information to the server device 60.

In Concrete Example 7 as well as in Concrete Example 6, an input supportinformation storing section 29 stores therein third input supportinformation and fourth input support information. Accordingly, in a casewhere a multidimensional code recognizing section 22 recognizes acombination identical to a third combination, the input informationdetermining section 31 d outputs, as the input information, a work timecalculating instruction, including a work ID and a work start time(current time), which corresponds to the third combination. In a casewhere the multidimensional code recognizing section 22 recognizes acombination identical to a fourth combination, the input informationdetermining section 31 d outputs, as the input information, a work timecalculating instruction, including the work ID and a work end time(current time), which corresponds to the fourth combination.

The work time calculating section 70 c calculates, for each work ID, awork time which is a difference between the work start time and the workend time which are received from the image capturing device 20, andsupplies, to the standard time setting section 70 b, the work time thuscalculated in association with the work ID.

The standard time setting section 70 b in Concrete Example 7 carries outthe same process as that in Concrete Example 6 and therefore a detaileddescription thereof will be omitted.

Also in Concrete Example 7, by a worker wearing the image capturingdevice 20, a standard time of each work is automatically set.

Concrete Example 8 Process of Inputting Work Record Creating Instructionand Work Record Updating Instruction without Use of Hand Problem to beSolved by Concrete Example 8

Conventionally, there has been a case where, in a production site, inorder to check specifications of a production device, a worker operatesa terminal to display the specifications. Furthermore, for eachproduction device, a worker inputs a working record such as a work starttime and a work end time via the terminal, and thus a work time ismanaged. However, when a worker operates the terminal, the worker isrequired to make an input with use of a keyboard and/or a mouse. Ingeneral, in a production site, a worker operates a terminal whilestanding. Making an input while standing requires keeping not only aposture “from an elbow to fingers” but also a posture “from a shoulderto fingers”. This imposes a greater burden on the worker's arm than anoperation while the worker is sitting. Furthermore, since it isdifficult to minutely adjust a finger's position, it takes time for theworker to input accurately.

In order to deal with this problem, Japanese Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2008-108008 discloses a technique of detecting, as aninput pattern, a movement of a specific portion of a worker.

However, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2008-108008, a camera is fixed. This raises theaforementioned problem that the camera may have blind spots depending ona state of a worker, and consequently the camera cannot accuratelycapture an image of a work range.

Concrete Example 8 is to solve this problem and is intended to provide awork management system capable of reducing a burden on a worker's inputoperation on a terminal by accurately capturing an image of a workrange.

Configuration of Work Management System of Concrete Example 8

In a work management system 1 in accordance with Concrete Example 8, atwo-dimensional code table illustrated in FIG. 18 is attached to eachproduction device 40 in advance. FIG. 18 illustrates a two-dimensionalcode table corresponding to a production device M. In FIG. 18,two-dimensional codes C5 and C8 located at respective both sides of FIG.18 are each a code uniquely assigned to a corresponding productiondevice 40, and are each a machine code indicative of the productiondevice 40. A second two-dimensional code C6 from the left is an at-startshielded code which is shielded by a hand or the like in a case wherework is to be started. In a case where a worker is to start work, theworker places his/her hand over the two-dimensional code C6 serving asthe at-start shielded code while looking at the two-dimensional codetable, as with Concrete Example 1 (see (a) of FIG. 11). A thirdtwo-dimensional code C7 from the left is an at-end shielded code whichis shielded by a hand or the like in a case where the work is ended. Ina case where the worker ends the work, the worker places his/her handover the two-dimensional code C7 serving as the at-end shielded code, aswith the Concrete Example 1 (see (b) of FIG. 11).

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in the work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 8. As illustrated in FIG. 19, a controlsection 31 of an image capturing device 20 includes an input informationdetermining section 31 d. A control section 70 of a server device 60includes a work record creating section 70 d.

The input information determining section 31 d has function described inConcrete Example 7. Note that an input support information storingsection 29 in Concrete Example 8 stores therein, for each productiondevice 40 for which a work record is accumulated, fifth input supportinformation (input support information A) which supports input of a workstart time and sixth input support information (input supportinformation B) which supports input of a work end time.

The fifth input support information is information in which a fifthcombination of (i) two-dimensional codes C5 and C8 located at respectiveboth sides of a two-dimensional code table as illustrated in FIG. 18 and(ii) a two-dimensional code C7 serving as an at-end shielded code isassociated with a fifth algorithm. The fifth algorithm is an algorithmin accordance with which (i) a current time is set as a work start timeand (ii) a work record creating instruction, including the work starttime, a machine ID that identifies a corresponding production device 40,and a worker ID stored in a worker ID storing section 28, is set asinput information.

The sixth input support information is information in which a sixthcombination of (i) the two-dimensional codes C5 and C8 at the respectivesides of the two-dimensional code table as illustrated in FIG. 18 and(ii) a two-dimensional code C6 serving as an at-start shielded code isassociated with a sixth algorithm. The sixth algorithm is an algorithmin accordance with which (i) a current time is set as a work end timeand (ii) a work record updating instruction, including the work endtime, the machine ID that identifies the corresponding production device40, and the worker ID stored in the worker ID storing section 28, is setas the input information.

In a case where a hand is placed over the at-start shielded code and thecombination of the two-dimensional codes C5 and C8 and thetwo-dimensional code C7 serving as the at-end shielded code (combinationidentical to the fifth combination) is recognized by a multidimensionalcode recognizing section 22, the input information determining section31 d sets a current time as the work start time and reads out a workerID from the worker ID storing section 28, in accordance with the fifthalgorithm corresponding to the fifth combination. Then, the inputinformation determining section 31 d determines, as the inputinformation, a work record updating instruction including an machine ID,the work start time, and the worker ID which correspond to the fifthcombination, and transmits the input information to the server device60.

In a case where a hand is placed over the at-end shielded code and thecombination of the two-dimensional codes C5 and C8 and thetwo-dimensional code C6 which is the at-start shielded code (combinationidentical to the sixth combination) is recognized, the input informationdetermining section 31 d sets a current time as the work end time andreads out the worker ID from the worker ID storing section 28, inaccordance with the sixth algorithm corresponding to the sixthcombination. Then, the input information determining section 31 ddetermines, as the input information, a work record updating instructionincluding the machine ID, the work end time, and the worker ID whichcorrespond to the sixth combination, and transmits the input informationto the server device 60.

Note that the input information determining section 31 d determineswhether or not to output determined input information depending on awork status flag. Specifically, only in a case where the work statusflag shows “not working”, the input information determining section 31 doutputs the input information including the work start time and changesthe work status flag to “working”. Only in a case where the work statusflag shows “working”, the input information determining section 31 doutputs the input information including the work end time and changesthe work status flag to “not working”.

The work record creating section 70 d of the server device 60 updatesinformation (see FIG. 4) stored in a work record accumulating section63, in accordance with the input information received from the imagecapturing device 20. Specifically, when receiving the work recordcreating instruction from the image capturing device 20, the work recordcreating section 70 d creates a new work record including the worker ID,the machine ID, and the work start time which are included in the workrecord creating instruction, and causes the new work record to be storedin the work record accumulating section 63. When receiving the workrecord updating instruction from the image capturing device 20, the workrecord creating section 70 d specifies, from the work recordaccumulating section 63, a work record corresponding to the worker IDand the machine ID which are included in the work record updatinginstruction, as an update target record. In a case where there are aplurality of work records which correspond to the worker ID and themachine ID, the work record creating section 70 d may specify, as theupdate target record, a work record including the latest work startrecord. The work record creating section 70 d adds, to the update targetrecord thus specified, the work end time included in the work recordupdating instruction.

It is thus possible to automatically create a work record in which amachine ID, a worker ID, a work start time, and a work end time areassociated with each other, without causing a worker to conduct a manualinput operation.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the work record accumulating section 63 alsostores therein work type information and action contents information.The work record creating section 70 d may obtain the work typeinformation and the action content information from the input-outputterminal 10. For example, the work record creating section 70 dtransmits, to the input-output terminal 10, a screen which encouragesinput of the work type information and the action contents informationwith respect to a work record including a machine ID, a worker ID, awork start time, and a work end time. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating anexample screen. The worker may check the screen and input the work typeinformation and the action contents information. In FIG. 20, entryfields titled “portion”, “phenomenon”, and “procedure” show the actioncontents information. The work record creating section 70 d updates thework record by adding, to the work record, the work type information andthe action contents information which have been inputted to theinput-output terminal 10.

Flow of Process Carried Out in Concrete Example 8

The following description will discuss a flow of a process carried outby the image capturing device 20 in accordance with Concrete Example 8.FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process carried out inConcrete Example 8.

First, the input information determining section 31 d determines whetheror not two-dimensional codes are recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 (step S11). In a case of No in the step S11, thestep S11 is repeated with respect to a following frame.

In a case where the two-dimensional codes are recognized (Yes, in thestep S11), the input information determining section 31 d determineswhether a combination of the two-dimensional codes which are recognizedfrom a single frame by the multidimensional code recognizing section 22matches the fifth combination (step S12). Since the fifth combination isassociated with the fifth algorithm in accordance with which a workrecord creating instruction including a work start time is set as inputinformation, the determination in the step S12 indicates determiningwhether or not work is to be started.

Here, as described above, in a case where the worker places his/her handover the at-start shielded code of the two-dimensional code table (seeFIG. 18), the combination of the two-dimensional codes C5 and C8(located at the respective both sides of the two-dimensional code table)and the two-dimensional code C7 serving as an at-end shielded code(combination identical to the fifth combination) is recognized. Onlythis case results in Yes in the step S12.

In the case of Yes in the step S12, the input information determiningsection 31 d determines whether the work status flag shows “not working”(step S13). In a case of No in the step S13, the step S11 is repeatedwith respect to a following frame. On the other hand, in a case of Yesin the step S3, the input information determining section 31 d changesthe work status flag to “working” (step S14). Then, the inputinformation determining section 31 d sets a current time as a work starttime and reads out a worker ID from the worker ID storing section 28, inaccordance with the fifth algorithm corresponding to the fifthcombination. Then, the input information determining section 31 ddetermines, as input information, a work record creating instructionincluding a machine ID, the work start time, and the worker ID whichcorrespond to the fifth combination, and transmits the input informationto the server device 60 (step S15).

On the other hand, in a case of No in the step S12, the inputinformation determining section 31 d determines whether the combinationof two-dimensional codes recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 matches the sixth combination (step S16). Sincethe sixth combination is associated with the sixth algorithm inaccordance with which a work record creating instruction including awork start time is set as the input information, the determination inS16 indicates determining whether or not to end the work. In the case ofNo in the step S16, the step S11 is repeated with respect to a followingframe.

When the worker has finished the work, the worker places his/her handover the at-end shielded code of the two-dimensional code table (seeFIG. 18). At that time, the combination of the two-dimensional codes C5and C8 located at the respective both sides of the two-dimensional codetable and the two-dimensional code C6 serving as the at-start shieldedcode (combination equal to the sixth combination) is recognized. Onlythis case results in Yes in the step S16.

In a case of Yes in the step S16, the input information determiningsection 31 d determines whether the work status flag shows “working”(step S17). In a case of No in the step S17, the step S11 is repeatedwith respect to a following frame. On the other hand, in a case of Yesin the step S17, the input information determining section 31 d changesthe work status flag to “not working” (step S18). Then, the inputinformation determining section 31 d sets a current time as a work endtime and reads out the worker ID from the worker ID storing section 28,in accordance with the sixth algorithm corresponding to the sixthcombination which the combination of two-dimensional codes recognized bythe multidimensional code recognizing section 22 are determined asmatching in the step S16. Then, the input information determiningsection 31 d determines, as the input information, a work recordupdating instruction including the machine ID, the work end time, andthe worker ID which correspond to the sixth combination, and transmitsthe input information to the server device 60 (step S19).

It is thus possible to automatically transmits, to the server device 60,a work record creating instruction or a work record updating instructionmerely by a worker wearing the image capturing device 20 and shielding,with his/her hand, the two-dimensional code C6 serving as the at-startshielded code or the two-dimensional code C7 serving as the at-endshielded code in the two-dimensional code table (see FIG. 18) in a nearwork range. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the worker's manualinput operation with use of a keyboard or a mouse.

Concrete Example 9 Variation of Concrete Example 8

Concrete Example 9 is a variation of Concrete Example 8. Therefore, onlydifferences between Concrete Example 9 and Concrete Example 8 will bedescribed. In Concrete Example 9, used is a two-dimensional code tablecreated for each written production instruction, not for each productiondevice 40. FIG. 22 illustrates an example two-dimensional code tableused in Concrete Example 9. The written production instruction is adocument in which a production instruction for a worker is described. Inthe written production instruction, a product type, a lot number, amachine to be used, and the like are described. The written productioninstruction is for identifying an object to be a work target (such as aproduct and a lot).

In FIG. 22, two-dimensional codes C9 and C12 located at respective bothsides of the FIG. 22 are each a code uniquely assigned to acorresponding written production instruction, and are each an order codeindicative of the written production instruction. A secondtwo-dimensional code C10 from the left is an at-start shielded codewhich is shielded a hand or the like in a case where work is to bestarted. In a case where a worker is to start work, the worker placeshis/her hand over the two-dimensional code C10. A third two-dimensionalcode C11 from the left is an at-end shielded code which is shielded ahand or the like in a case where the work is ended. In a case where theworker ends the work, the worker places his/her hand over thetwo-dimensional code C11.

An input support information storing section 29 in accordance withConcrete Example 9 stores therein, for each written productioninstruction for which a work record is accumulated, seventh inputsupport information (input support information C) which supports inputof a work start time and eighth input support information (input supportinformation D) which supports input of a work end time.

The seventh input support information is information in which a seventhcombination of (i) two-dimensional codes C9 and C12 located atrespective both sides of a two-dimensional code table as illustrated inFIG. 22 and (ii) a two-dimensional code C11 serving as an at-endshielded code is associated with a seventh algorithm. The seventhalgorithm is an algorithm in accordance with which (i) a current time isset as a work start time and (ii) a work record creating instruction,including the work start time, an order ID that identifies acorresponding written production instruction, and a worker ID stored ina worker ID storing section 28, is set as input information.

The eighth input support information is information in which an eighthcombination of (i) the two-dimensional codes C9 and C12 located at therespective both sides of the two-dimensional code table as illustratedin FIG. 22 and (ii) a two-dimensional code C10 serving as an at-startshielded code is associated with an eighth algorithm. The eighthalgorithm is an algorithm in accordance with which (i) a current time isset as a work end time and (ii) a work record updating instruction,including the work end time, the order ID that identifies thecorresponding written production instruction, and the worker ID storedin the worker ID storing section 28, is set as the input information.

An input information determining section 31 d in Concrete Example 9 isdifferent from that in Concrete Example 8 only in that the inputinformation determining section 31 d in Concrete Example 9 determines,in accordance with the seventh or eighth input support information, awork record creating instruction or a work record updating instructionwhich includes an order ID instead of a machine ID, as the inputinformation.

The process carried out by an image capturing device 20 in ConcreteExample 9 is substantially the same as the flowchart illustrated in FIG.21 except that an instruction including an order ID, not a machine ID,is transmitted in step S15 and step S19.

A work record creating section 70 d of a server device 60 in ConcreteExample 9 is different from that in Concrete Example 8 only in that thework record creating section 70 d in Concrete Example 9 causes a workrecord including an order ID, not a machine ID, to be stored in a workrecord accumulating section 63 in accordance with an instruction fromthe image capturing device 20.

Also in Concrete Example 9, it is possible to automatically transmit, tothe server device 60, a work record creating instruction or a workrecord updating instruction merely by a worker wearing the imagecapturing device 20 and shielding, with his/her hand, thetwo-dimensional code C10 serving as the at-start shielded code or thetwo-dimensional code C11 serving as the at-end shielded code in thetwo-dimensional code table (see FIG. 22) in a near work range.Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the worker's manual inputoperation with use of a keyboard or a mouse.

Note that a production ID which identifies a product or a lot ID whichidentifies a product and a lot may be alternatively used, instead of anorder ID. Each of the order ID, the production ID, and the lot ID isobject identification information which identifies an object to be awork target.

Concrete Example 10 Process of Inputting Display Instruction without Useof Hand Problem to be Solved by Concrete Example 10

Conventionally, detailed information on a machine and detailedinformation on a product, a lot etc. to be produced are accumulated in aserver device and a worker operates a terminal according to necessity soas to examine information. However, as described in Concrete Example 8,a worker operates a terminal while standing, which imposes a greaterburden on the worker's arm than an operation while the worker issitting. Furthermore, since it is difficult to minutely adjust afinger's position, it takes time for the worker to input accurately.

Concrete Example 10 is to solve this problem and is intended to providea work management system capable of reducing a burden on a worker'sinput of an instruction for causing a terminal to display information(display instruction).

Configuration of Work Management System of Concrete Example 10

The following description will discuss Concrete Example 10 as avariation of Concrete Example 8. Accordingly, only differences betweenConcrete Example 10 and Concrete Example 8 will be described.

In Concrete Example 10, in addition to a two-dimensional code tableillustrated in FIG. 18, two-dimensional codes are attached to respectivefour corners of a display section 13 of an input-output terminal 10.FIG. 23 illustrates an example display section 13 to four corners ofwhich two-dimensional codes are respectively attached. Thetwo-dimensional codes attached to the respective four corners of thedisplay section 13 include (i) codes each of which is uniquely assignedto the display section 13 and (ii) codes each of which indicates aposition. Specifically, a two-dimensional code C13 attached to an upperleft corner of the display section 13 (hereinafter referred to as upperleft two-dimensional code (upper left multidimensional code)) includes acode uniquely assigned to the display section 13 and a code indicativeof an upper left position. Similarly, a two-dimensional code C14attached to an upper right corner of the display section 13 (hereinafterreferred to as upper right two-dimensional code (upper rightmultidimensional code)) includes a code uniquely assigned to the displaysection 13 and a code indicative of an upper right position. Atwo-dimensional code C15 attached to a lower left corner of the displaysection 13 (hereinafter referred to as lower left two-dimensional code(lower left multidimensional code)) includes a code uniquely assigned tothe display section 13 and a code indicative of a lower left position. Atwo-dimensional code C16 attached to a lower right corner of the displaysection 13 (hereinafter referred to as lower right two-dimensional code(lower right multidimensional code)) includes a code uniquely assignedto the display section 13 and a code indicative of a lower rightposition.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are included in the work management system inaccordance with Concrete Example 10. As illustrated in FIG. 24, acontrol section 31 of an image capturing device 20 includes an inputinformation determining section 31 d and a work target setting section31 e. A control section 70 of a server device 60 includes a work recordcreating section 70 d and a display control section 70 e.

Furthermore, an input support information storing section 29 of ConcreteExample 10 stores therein ninth through thirteenth input supportinformation, in addition to fifth input support information and sixthinput support information described in Concrete Example 8.

The ninth input support information (input support information E) isinformation in which a combination of four two-dimensional codesattached to four corners of a display section 13 included in acorresponding input-output terminal 10 (ninth combination) is associatedwith a ninth algorithm. The ninth algorithm is an algorithm inaccordance with which a display instruction, including (i) a display ID(display device identification information) that identifies the displaysection 13 of the corresponding input-output terminal 10 and (ii) amachine ID stored in the work target storing section 23, is set as inputinformation.

The tenth input support information (input support information F) isinformation in which a combination of an upper left two-dimensional codeC13 and an upper right two-dimensional code C14 which are attached to adisplay section 13 included in a corresponding input-output terminal 10(tenth combination) is associated with a display instruction including(i) a display ID that identifies the display section 13 included in thecorresponding input-output terminal 10 and (ii) a direction informationindicative of an upward direction.

The eleventh input support information (input support information G) isinformation in which a combination of a lower left two-dimensional codeC15 and a lower right two-dimensional code C16 which are attached to adisplay section 13 included in a corresponding input-output terminal 10(eleventh combination) is associated with a display instructionincluding (i) a display ID that identifies the display section 13included in the corresponding input-output terminal 10 and (ii)direction information indicative of a downward direction.

The twelfth input support information (input support information H) isinformation in which a combination of an upper left two-dimensional codeC13 and a lower left two-dimensional code C15 which are attached to adisplay section 13 included in a corresponding input-output terminal 10(twelfth combination) is associated with a display instruction including(i) a display ID that identifies the display section 13 included in thecorresponding input-output terminal 10 and (ii) direction informationindicative of a leftward direction.

The thirteenth input support information (input support information I)is information in which a combination of an upper right two-dimensionalcode C14 and a lower right two-dimensional code C16 which are attachedto a display section 13 included in a corresponding input-outputterminal 10 (thirteenth combination) is associated with a displayinstruction including (i) a display ID that identifies the displaysection 13 included in the corresponding input-output terminal 10 and(ii) direction information indicative of a rightward direction.

Accordingly, in a case where a display instruction is determined as theinput information in accordance with one of the ninth through thirteenthinput support information, the display instruction is transmitted to theserver device 60 by the input information determining section 31 d.

At a timing at which the communication section 30 transmits the workrecord creating instruction, the work target setting section 31 edetermines a machine ID included in the work record creatinginstruction, as a machine ID indicative of a production device 40 whichis a work target, and overwrites the work target storing section 23 withthe machine ID thus determined.

The display control section 70 e of the server device 60 controlsdisplay of the input-output terminal 10 in accordance with the displayinstruction received from the image capturing device 20.

Specifically, in a case where the display control section 70 e receivesa display instruction including a machine ID and a display ID from theimage capturing device 20, the display control section 70 e reads out,from a related-information storing section 66, machine-relatedinformation corresponding to the machine ID, and transmits themachine-related information thus read to the input-output terminal 10including the display section 13 identified by the display ID. Thus, themachine-related information is displayed on the display section 13viewed by a worker.

In a case where the display control section 70 e receives, from theimage capturing device 20, a display instruction including a display IDand direction information, the display control section 70 e transmits,to the input-output terminal 10 including the display section 13identified by the display ID, a scrolling instruction for instructingthe input-output terminal 10 to scroll its screen in a directionindicated by the direction information. Thus, the screen of theinput-output terminal 10 is scrolled automatically in a direction inwhich the worker sees.

Flow of Process Carried Out in Concrete Example 10

The following description will discuss a flow of a process carried outby the work management system 1. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating theflow of the process carried out by the work management system 1. In FIG.25, the same process as that described in Concrete Example 8 will begiven the same step number as in FIG. 21 and an explanation thereof willbe omitted.

First, the input information determining section 31 d determines whetheror not two-dimensional codes are recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 (step S11). In a case of Yes in the step S11, theinput information determining section 31 d determines whether thetwo-dimensional codes thus recognized include a code uniquely assignedto the display section 13 (step S21). The input information determiningsection 31 d can carry out the step S21 by causing codes respectivelyassigned to the display sections 13 of all the input-output terminals 10included in the work management system 1 to be stored in advance.

In a case of No in the step S21, the steps S14 and S15 described inConcrete Example 8 are carried out. After the step S15, the work targetsetting section 31 e overwrites the work target storing section 23 witha machine ID included in a work record creating instruction transmittedto the server device 60 in the step S15 as an ID that identifies theproduction device 40 which is a work target (step S22).

In a case of Yes in the step S21, the input information determiningsection 31 d determines whether a combination of the two-dimensionalcodes recognized from a single frame by the multifunctional coderecognizing section 22 matches the ninth combination (step S23). Theninth combination is a combination of the upper left two-dimensionalcodes C13, the upper right two-dimensional code C14, the lower lefttwo-dimensional code C15, and the lower right two-dimensional code C16which are attached to an identical display section 13. Therefore, thestep S23 is a step of determining whether the combination of thetwo-dimensional codes recognized from the single frame matches acombination of such four two-dimensional codes which are attached torespective four corners of the display section 13.

In a case of Yes in the step S23, the input information determiningsection 31 d determines, in accordance with the ninth algorithmcorresponding to the ninth combination, a display instruction, including(i) a display ID that identifies the display section 13 of theinput-output terminal 10 and (ii) a machine ID stored in the work targetstoring section 23, which corresponds to the ninth algorithm, as inputinformation. Then, the communication section 30 transmits, to the serverdevice 60, the input information (display instruction) determined by theinput information determining section 31 d (step S24).

The display control section 70 e of the server device 60 which hasreceived the display instruction reads out, from the related-informationstoring section 66, machine-related information corresponding to themachine ID included in the display instruction. The display controlsection 70 e transmits, to the input-output terminal 10 indicated by thedisplay ID included in the display instruction, the machine-relatedinformation thus read out. This allows a worker to check themachine-related information on the display section 13 captured by theimage capturing device 20 worn by the worker, i.e. the display section13 in a work range of the worker, without making an operational input onthe input-output terminal 10.

On the other hand, in a case of No in the step S23, the inputinformation determining section 31 d determines whether the combinationof the two-dimensional codes recognized from the single frame by themultidimensional code recognizing section 22 corresponds to one of thetenth through thirteenth combinations (step S25). The tenth throughthirteenth combinations are each a combination of two of the upper lefttwo-dimensional codes C13, the upper right two-dimensional code C14, thelower left two-dimensional code C15, and the lower right two-dimensionalcode C16 which are attached to an identical display section 13.Therefore, the step S25 is a step of determining whether the combinationof the two-dimensional codes recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 matches two of the four two-dimensional codesattached to the respective four corners of the display section 13. In acase of No in the step S25, the step S11 is repeated with respect to afollowing frame.

In a case of Yes in the step S25, the input information determiningsection 31 d determines, as the input information, a display instructionincluding (i) direction information indicative of a directioncorresponding to the combination which the combination of thetwo-dimensional codes recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 matches and (ii) a display ID corresponding tothe combination. The communication section 30 transmits, to the serverdevice 60, the input information (display instruction) determined by theinput information determining section 31 d (step S26).

The display control section 70 e of the server device 60 which hasreceived the display instruction in the step S26 transmits, to theinput-output terminal 10 identified by the display ID included in thedisplay instruction, a scrolling instruction to scroll a screen in adirection indicated by the direction information included in the displayinstruction. The input-output terminal 10 having received the scrollinginstruction causes a screen of the display section 13 to scroll inaccordance with the instruction.

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a positional relationship between thedisplay section 13 of the input-output terminal 10 and a captured rangeE of the image capturing device 20. As illustrated in FIG. 26, in a casewhere the captured area E of the image capturing device 20 worn on aworker's head includes only the upper right two-dimensional code C14 andthe lower right two-dimensional code C16 out of the two-dimensionalcodes attached to the respective four corners, it is inferred that theworker wants to check a right side of the screen. In this case,rightward scroll is automatically carried out in the steps S25 and S26.Similarly, in a case where the captured range E includes only the upperleft two-dimensional code C13 and the upper right two-dimensional codeC14, upward scroll is carried out automatically. In a case where thecaptured range E includes only the upper left two-dimensional code C13and the lower left two-dimensional code C15, leftward scroll is carriedout automatically. In a case where the captured range E includes onlythe lower left two-dimensional code C15 and the lower righttwo-dimensional code C16, downward scroll is carried out automatically.Thus, the screen can be scrolled without the worker making anoperational input on the input-output terminal 10.

Concrete Example 11 Variation of Concrete Example 10

Concrete Example 11 is a variation of Concrete Example 10. Accordingly,only differences between Concrete Example 11 and Concrete Example 10will be described. In Concrete Example 11, used is a two-dimensionalcode table (see FIG. 22) which is created for each written productioninstruction, not each production device 40.

An input support information storing section 29 of Concrete Example 11stores therein, for each written production instruction for which a workrecord is to be accumulated, seventh input support information andeighth input support information which are similar to those in ConcreteExample 9, in addition to ninth through thirteenth input supportinformation described in Concrete Example 10.

A process carried out by an image capturing device 20 of ConcreteExample 11 is substantially the same as that illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 25 except that an instruction including an order ID,not a machine ID, is transmitted in step S15 and S19.

A display control section 70 e of a server device 60 reads out, from arelated-information storing section 66, product-related informationcorresponding to the order ID included in the display instruction. Then,the display control section 70 e transmits the product-relatedinformation thus read out to an input-output terminal 10 identified by adisplay ID included in the display instruction. This allows a worker tocheck product-related information without making an operational input onthe input-output terminal 10.

Also in Concrete Example 11, it is possible to automatically transmit,to the server device 60, a work record creating instruction or a workrecord updating instruction merely by a worker wearing the imagecapturing device 20 and shielding, with his/her hand, thetwo-dimensional code C10 serving as the at-start shielded code or thetwo-dimensional code C11 serving as the at-end shielded code in thetwo-dimensional code table (see FIG. 22) in a near work range.Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the worker's manual inputoperation with use of a keyboard or a mouse.

Note that a production ID which identifies a product or a lot ID whichidentifies a product and a lot may be alternatively used, instead of anorder ID. Each of the order ID, the production ID, and the lot ID isobject identification information which identifies a work target.

Concrete Example 12 Process of Inputting Check Result without Use ofHand Problem to be Solved by Concrete Example 12

Conventionally, on a production site, a worker has carried out checkswith respect to various check items in order to keep quality of aproduct. Results of the checks are recorded on a predetermined checkresult recording sheet so that the results are later reviewed.

Such recording of the results in the check result recording sheet madeby the worker is not directly related to production. Therefore, it ispreferable to make the recording in a shortest possible time in order toincrease production ability of the worker.

Concrete Example 12 is to solve such a problem, and is intended toprovide a work management system capable of reducing a worker's burdenof inputting a check result.

Configuration of Work Management System of Concrete Example 12

According to Concrete Example 12, a two-dimensional code table, asillustrated in (a) of FIG. 27, is created in advance for each checkitem. (a) of FIG. 27 is a two-dimensional table corresponding to a checkitem K. In (a) of FIG. 27, two-dimensional codes C17 and C20 located atrespective both sides are each a code uniquely assigned to acorresponding check item, and are each a check item code whichidentifies the check item. A second two-dimensional code C18 from theleft is an acceptable-case shielded code which is shielded by a hand orthe like in a case where a check result is acceptable. In a case where aworker determines that the check result is acceptable, the worker placeshis/her hand over the two-dimensional code C18 serving as theacceptable-case shielded code (see (b) of FIG. 27). A thirdtwo-dimensional code C19 from the left is a rejectable-case shieldedcode which is shielded by a hand or the like in a case where a checkresult is rejectable. In a case where the worker determines that thecheck result is rejectable, the worker places his/her hand over thetwo-dimensional code C19 serving as the rejectable-case shielded code(see (c) of FIG. 27).

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are provided in a work management system 1 ofConcrete Example 12. As illustrated in FIG. 28, a control section 31 ofan image capturing device 20 includes an input information determiningsection 31 d. A control section 70 of a server device 60 includes acheck result processing section 70 f.

An input support information storing section 29 of Concrete Example 12stores therein, for each check item, fourteenth input supportinformation and fifteenth input support information each of whichsupports input of a check result.

The fourteenth input support information (input support information J)is information in which a fourteenth combination of (i) thetwo-dimensional codes C17 and C20 shown at the respective both sides of(a) of FIG. 27 and (ii) the two-dimensional code C19 serving as therejectable-case shielded code is associated with a fourteenth algorithm.The fourteenth algorithm is an algorithm in accordance with which acheck result registration instruction is set as input information, thecheck result registration instruction including a worker ID stored in aworker ID storing section 28, a check item ID which identifies acorresponding check item (check item identification information), andcheck result information indicative of “acceptable”.

The fifteenth input support information (input support information J) isinformation in which a fifteenth combination of (i) the two-dimensionalcodes C17 and C20 shown at the respective both sides of (a) of FIG. 27and (ii) the two-dimensional code C18 serving as the acceptable-caseshielded code is associated with a fifteenth algorithm. The fifteenthalgorithm is an algorithm in accordance with which a check resultregistration instruction is set as the input information, the checkresult registration instruction including the worker ID stored in theworker ID storing section 28, the check item ID which identifies thecorresponding check item, and check result information indicative of“rejectable”.

As has been described, in a case where the worker determines that acheck result is acceptable, the worker places his/her hand over thetwo-dimensional code C18 serving as the acceptable-case shielded code.In this case, since the two-dimensional code C18 is hidden by theworker's hand, a multidimensional code recognizing section 22 of theimage capturing device 20, which captures an image of the worker'shands, recognizes a combination of the two-dimensional codes C17, C19,and C20 (a combination identical to the fourteenth combination).Therefore, in accordance with the fourteenth algorithm, the inputinformation determining section 31 d determines, as the inputinformation, the check result registration instruction including theworker ID, the check item ID, and the check result informationindicative of “acceptable”. The input information determining section 31d transmits the input information thus determined to the server device60.

In a case where the worker determines that the check result isrejectable, the worker places his/her hand over the two-dimensional codeC19 serving as the rejectable-case shielded code. In this case, sincethe two-dimensional code C19 is hidden by the worker's hand, themultidimensional code recognizing section 22 recognizes a combination ofthe two-dimensional codes C17, C18, and C20 (a combination identical tothe fifteenth combination). Therefore, in accordance with the fifteenthalgorithm, the input information determining section 31 d determines, asthe input information, the check result registration instructionincluding the worker ID, the check item ID, and the check resultinformation indicative of “rejectable”. The input informationdetermining section 31 d transmits the input information thus determinedto the server device 60.

The check result processing section 70 f of the server device 60 stores,in a check result storing section 64, the worker ID, the check item ID,and the check result information, each of which is included in the checkresult registration instruction received from the image capturing device20, in association with each other. In this case, the check resultprocessing section 70 f stores, in the check result storing section 64,a current time as a check time.

This allows the worker to record the check result in the server device60 without conducting an operation with respect to an input-outputterminal 10.

Concrete Example 13 Variation of Concrete Example 12

Concrete Example 13 is a variation of Concrete Example 12. Therefore,only differences between Concrete Example 12 and Concrete Example 13will be described below. According to Concrete Example 13, each offourteenth algorithm and fifteenth algorithm includes, in addition to analgorithm described in Concrete Example 12, an algorithm in accordancewith which (i) a current time is set as a check time and (ii) the checktime is included in a check result registration instruction.

According to Concrete Example 13, an input information determiningsection 31 d determines, in accordance with the fourteenth algorithm orthe fifteenth algorithm, the check result registration instruction,including a worker ID, a check item ID, check result information, andthe check time (current time), as input information. The check resultprocessing section 70 f merely needs to store, in a check result storingsection 64, the worker ID, the check item ID, the check resultinformation, and the check time, each of which is included in the checkresult registration instruction, in association with each other.

Concrete Example 14 Variation of Concrete Example 12

Concrete Example 14 is a variation of Concrete Example 12. Therefore,only differences between Concrete Example 12 and Concrete Example 14will be described below. According to Concrete Example 14, atwo-dimensional code table as illustrated in FIG. 29 is created inadvance for each check item with respect to which a check is carried outby use of a sound. In FIG. 29, two-dimensional codes C21 and C23 locatedat respective both sides are each a code which is uniquely assigned to acorresponding check item. A two-dimensional code C22 located between thetwo-dimensional codes C21 and C23 is a code different from thetwo-dimensional codes C21 and C23, and is an at-start shielded codewhich is shielded in a case where the check is to be started.

An input support information storing section 29 of Concrete Example 14stores therein sixteenth input support information (input supportinformation K) for each check item with respect to which a check iscarried out by use of a sound. The sixteenth input support informationis information in which a combination (sixteenth combination) of thetwo-dimensional codes C21 and C23, located at respective both sides ofthe two-dimensional code table illustrated in FIG. 29, is associatedwith a sixteenth algorithm.

The sixteenth algorithm includes a check result generating algorithm inaccordance with which (i) a check result indicative of “acceptable” isgenerated in a case where a sound inputted in a microphone 25 within apredetermined time matches a predetermined pattern and (ii) a checkresult indicative of “rejectable” is generated in a case where the sounddoes not match the predetermined pattern. The sixteenth algorithmfurther includes a check time generating algorithm in accordance withwhich a current time is set as a check time. The sixteenth algorithmfurther includes an algorithm in accordance with which a check resultregistration instruction is generated as input information, the checkresult registration instruction including the check result generated inaccordance with the check result generating algorithm, a worker IDstored in the worker ID storing section 28, a check item ID whichidentifies the corresponding check item, and the check time generated inaccordance with the check time generating algorithm.

Therefore, in a case where a combination of two-dimensional codesrecognized by a multidimensional code recognizing section 22 matches thesixteenth combination, an input information determining section 31 dgenerates the check result registration instruction in accordance withthe sixteenth algorithm. For example, the input information determiningsection 31 d checks, with the predetermined pattern (for example, asound pattern “good”), a sound which is inputted in the microphone 25within the predetermined time (for example, 1 (one) minute) from whenthe input information determining section 31 d determines that thecombination of the two-dimensional codes recognized by themultidimensional code recognizing section 22 matches the sixteenthcombination. In a case where the sound matches the predetermined patternas a result of the check, the check result indicative of “acceptable” isgenerated. In a case where the sound does not match the predeterminedpattern, the check result indicative of “rejectable” is generated.

According to Concrete Example 14, it is possible for a worker to carryout a check with respect to a check item merely by (i) placing his/herhand over the two-dimensional code C22, serving as the at-start shieldedcode, in the two-dimensional code table illustrated in FIG. 29 and then(ii) uttering a predetermined sound. That is, it is possible to reduceworker's operation of writing on a check recording sheet.

Concrete Example 15 Variation of Concrete Example 12

Concrete Example 15 is a variation of Concrete Example 12. Therefore,only differences between Concrete Example 12 and Concrete Example 15will be described below. According to Concrete Example 15, atwo-dimensional code table (see FIG. 29), similar to that in ConcreteExample 14, is created in advance for each check item with respect towhich a check is carried out by use of an acceleration sensor 24.

An input support information storing section 29 of Concrete Example 15stores therein seventeenth input support information (input supportinformation L) for each check item with respect to which a check iscarried out by use of the acceleration sensor 24. The seventeenth inputsupport information is information in which a combination (seventeenthcombination) of the two-dimensional codes C21 and C23, located at therespective both sides of the two-dimensional code table as illustratedin FIG. 29, is associated with a seventeenth algorithm.

The seventeenth algorithm includes a check result generating algorithmin accordance with which (i) a check result indicative of “acceptable”is generated in a case where acceleration in a vertical direction whichacceleration is detected within a predetermined time by the accelerationsensor is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold and (ii) acheck result indicative of “rejectable” is generated in a case whereacceleration in a horizontal direction which acceleration is detectedwithin the predetermined time by the acceleration sensor is equal to ormore than a predetermined threshold. The seventeenth algorithm furtherincludes a check time generating algorithm in accordance with which acurrent time is set as a check time. The seventeenth algorithm furtherincludes an algorithm in accordance with which a check resultregistration instruction is generated as input information, the checkresult registration instruction including the check result generated inaccordance with the check result generating algorithm, a worker IDstored in the worker ID storing section 28, a check item ID whichidentifies a corresponding check item, and the check time generated inaccordance with the check time generating algorithm.

According to Concrete Example 15, in a case where a combination oftwo-dimensional codes recognized by a multidimensional code recognizingsection 22 matches the seventeenth combination, an input informationdetermining section 31 d generates the check result registrationinstruction in accordance with the seventeenth algorithm. For example,in a case where the acceleration in the vertical direction, whichacceleration is detected by the acceleration sensor 24, becomes equal toor more than the predetermined threshold within the predetermined time(for example, 1 (one) minute) from when the input informationdetermining section 31 d determines that the combination of thetwo-dimensional codes recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 matches the seventeenth combination, the inputinformation determining section 31 d generates the check resultindicative of “acceptable”. Further, in a case where the acceleration inthe horizontal direction, which acceleration is detected by theacceleration sensor 24, becomes equal to or more than the predeterminedthreshold within the predetermined time (for example, 1 (one) minute)from when the input information determining section 31 d determines thatthe combination of the two-dimensional codes recognized by themultidimensional code recognizing section 22 matches the seventeenthcombination, the input information determining section 31 d generatesthe check result indicative of “rejectable”.

Therefore, a worker merely needs to (i) place his/her hand over thetwo-dimensional code C22 serving as the at-start shielded code in thetwo-dimensional code table illustrated in FIG. 29 and then (ii) shakehis/her head vertically in a case where a check result is acceptable orhorizontally in a case where the check result is rejectable. This causesthe check result to be automatically inputted and accumulated in aserver device 60. As a result, it is possible to reduce worker'soperation of writing on a check recoding sheet.

Concrete Example 16 Variation of Concrete Example 12

With respect to some check item, a check is carried out in accordancewith a measured value displayed as a numeral on a measurement panel of ameasuring device. Specifically, in a case where the measured valuedisplayed on the measurement panel falls within a predetermined range,it is determined that a check result is “acceptable”. In a case wherethe measured value is outside the predetermined range, it is determinedthat the check result is “rejectable”.

Concrete Example 16 is intended to provide a work management systemcapable of reducing worker's operation of writing on a check recordingsheet as to a check item with respect to which a check is carried out byuse of such a measured value displayed on a measurement panel. ConcreteExample 16 is a variation of Concrete Example 12. Therefore, onlydifferences between Concrete Example 12 and Concrete Example 16 will bedescribed below.

According to Concrete Example 16, for each check item with respect towhich a check is carried out by use of a measured value, atwo-dimensional code C24, a two-dimensional code C25, and atwo-dimensional code C26 which is an at-start shielded code that isshielded in a case where the check is to be started are attached inadvance around a measurement panel (see FIG. 30).

An input support information storing section 29 of Concrete Example 16stores therein eighteenth input support information (input supportinformation M) for each check item with respect to which a check iscarried out by use of a measured value. The eighteenth input supportinformation is information in which a combination (eighteenthcombination) of the two-dimensional codes C24 and C25 as illustrated inFIG. 30, except for the at-start shielded code out of thetwo-dimensional codes attached around the measurement panel, isassociated with an eighteenth algorithm (algorithm M).

The eighteenth algorithm includes a check result generating algorithm inaccordance with which (i) a measured value is recognized, in accordancewith a character recognizing algorithm, from a frame where a combinationof two-dimensional codes which combination is identical to theeighteenth combination is recognized and (ii) a check result indicativeof “acceptable” is generated in a case where the measured value thusrecognized falls within a predetermined range or a check resultindicative of “rejectable” is generated in a case where the measuredvalue is outside the predetermined range. The eighteenth algorithmfurther includes a check time generating algorithm in accordance withwhich a current time is set as a check time. The eighteenth algorithmfurther includes an algorithm in accordance with which a check resultregistration instruction is generated as input information, the checkresult registration instruction including the check result generated inaccordance with the check result generating algorithm, a worker IDstored in the worker ID storing section 28, a check item ID whichidentifies a corresponding check item, and the check time generated inaccordance with the check time generating algorithm. Note that a knownalgorithm can be used as the character recognizing algorithm.

According to Concrete Example 16, in FIG. 30, in a case where a hand isplaced over the two-dimensional code C26 serving as the at-startshielded code, an input information determining section 31 d determinesthat a combination of two-dimensional codes recognized by amultidimensional code recognizing section 22 matches the eighteenthcombination. The input information determining section 31 d thengenerates the check result registration instruction in accordance withthe eighteenth algorithm. For example, in a case where the measuredvalue (for example, “31.2” in an example illustrated in FIG. 30),recognized by the character recognizing algorithm from the frame wherethe combination of the two-dimensional codes which combination isidentical to the eighteenth combination is recognized, falls within thepredetermined range, the input information determining section 31 dgenerates the check result indicative of “acceptable”.

According to Concrete Example 16, a worker merely needs to move to aposition where an image capturing device 20, worn by the worker, iscapable of capturing the measurement panel. This causes the check resultto be automatically inputted and accumulated in the server device 60. Asa result, it is possible to reduce worker's operation of writing on acheck recording sheet.

Concrete Example 17 Variation of Concrete Example 12

Some measuring device displays a measured value with use of a pointer,instead of displaying the measured value as a numeral as in ConcreteExample 15. According to such a measuring device, in a case where apointer provided on a measurement panel points to a predetermined range,it is determined that a check result is “acceptable”. In a case wherethe pointer points to a region outside the predetermined range, it isdetermined that the check result is “rejectable”.

Concrete Example 17 is intended to provide a work management systemcapable of reducing worker's operation of writing on a check recordingsheet as to a check item with respect to which a check is carried out byuse of such a pointer provided on a measurement panel. Concrete Example17 is a variation of Concrete Example 12. Therefore, only differencesbetween Concrete Example 12 and Concrete Example 17 will be describedbelow.

According to Concrete Example 17, a two-dimensional code C27, atwo-dimensional code C28, and a two-dimensional code C29 which is anat-start shielded code that is shielded in a case where a check is to bestarted are attached in advance, around a measurement panel, for eachcheck item with respect to which a check is carried out by use of ameasured value (see FIG. 31).

An input support information storing section 29 of Concrete Example 17stores therein nineteenth input support information (input supportinformation M) for each check item with respect to which a check iscarried out by use of a measured value. The nineteenth input supportinformation is information in which a combination (nineteenthcombination) of the two-dimensional codes C27 and C28, except for theat-start shielded code out of the two-dimensional codes attached aroundthe measurement panel as illustrated in FIG. 31, is associated with anineteenth algorithm (algorithm M).

The nineteenth algorithm includes a check result generating algorithm inaccordance with which (i) a region of the measurement panel is detectedfrom a frame where a combination of two-dimensional codes whichcombination is identical to the nineteenth combination is recognized and(ii) a check result indicative of “acceptable” is generated in a casewhere a pointer 131 is located within a predetermined range in theregion thus detected (measuring device image) or a check resultindicative of “rejectable” is generated in a case where the pointer 131is located outside the predetermined range. Note that a known imageprocessing technique can be employed so as to detect the region of themeasurement panel, detect such a position of the pointer, and determinewhether or not the pointer is located within the predetermined range.For example, by coating a region around the measurement panel with useof a color different from that used for the measurement panel, it ispossible to recognize the region of the measurement panel with use of acolor value. Further, by registering in advance a shape or a color ofthe pointer 131, it is possible to recognize the position of the pointer131. Moreover, by coating, in advance with use of a predetermined color,a region (a region 134 enclosed by a dotted line in FIG. 31) in themeasurement panel which region corresponds to an acceptable range wherea check result is “acceptable”, it is possible to determine by imageprocessing whether or not the pointer is located within the acceptablerange.

The nineteenth algorithm further includes a check time generatingalgorithm in accordance with which a current time is set as a checktime. The nineteenth algorithm further includes an algorithm inaccordance with which a check result registration instruction isgenerated as input information, the check result registrationinstruction including the check result generated in accordance with thecheck result generating algorithm, a worker ID stored in a worker IDstoring section 28, a check item ID which identifies a correspondingcheck item, and the check time generated in accordance with check timegenerating algorithm.

Also according to Concrete Example 17, a worker merely needs to move toa position where an image capturing device 20, worn by the worker, iscapable of capturing the measurement panel. This causes the check resultto be automatically inputted and accumulated in a server device 60. As aresult, it is possible to reduce worker's operation of writing on acheck recording sheet.

Concrete Example 18 Automatic Creation of Abnormality Occurrence MovingImage Problem to be Solved by Concrete Example 18

Conventionally, a camera has been provided to a specific productiondevice so as to record an operation situation. In a case where anyabnormality (trouble) has occurred in the production device, a scenerecorded while the abnormality occurred is clipped off from an entirerecorded moving image, and a cause of the abnormality is investigated orhow to handle the abnormality is determined.

However, as has been described, in a case where the camera is providedat a fixed position, a blind spot is formed. Therefore, depending on anarea where the abnormality occurs, it is not possible to capture animage of the area. Besides, it is highly likely that, even in a casewhere the image of the area can be captured, it is not possible toaccurately understand the operation situation. As a result, it is notpossible to investigate the cause of the abnormality or to determine howto handle the abnormality. Furthermore, it takes a lot of time and laborto clip off, from the recorded moving image, the scene recorded whilethe abnormality occurred.

Concrete Example 18 is to solve such problems, and is intended toprovide a work management system capable of more absolutely accumulatinga moving image of an operation situation captured while an abnormalityoccurs.

Configuration of Work Management System of Concrete Example 18

According to Concrete Example 18, a two-dimensional code table asillustrated in (a) of FIG. 32 is attached to each production device 40whose operation situation during occurrence of an abnormality is desiredto be checked. In (a) of FIG. 32, two-dimensional codes C30 and C32located at respective both sides are each a code uniquely assigned to acorresponding production device 40, and are each a machine check codeindicative of a check carried out on the production device 40. Atwo-dimensional code C31 located between the two-dimensional codes C30and C32 is an at-start shielded code which is shielded by a hand or thelike in a case where a check is to be started on the production device40. A worker places his/her hand over the at-start shielded code whilelooking at the two-dimensional code table attached to the productiondevice 40, before starting the check on the production device 40 (see(b) of FIG. 32).

Further, according to Concrete Example 18, a two-dimensional code tableas illustrated in (a) of FIG. 33 is attached to each production device40 whose operation situation during occurrence of an abnormality isdesired to be checked. In (a) of FIG. 33, two-dimensional codes C33 andC35 located at respective both sides are each a code uniquely assignedto a corresponding production device 40, and are each a product checkcode indicative of a check carried out on a product produced by theproduction device 40. A two-dimensional code C34 located between thetwo-dimensional codes C33 and C35 is an at-start shielded code which isshielded by a hand or the like in a case where a check is to be startedon the product produced by the production device. The worker placeshis/her hand over the at-start shielded code while looking at thetwo-dimensional code table attached to the production device 40, beforestarting the check on the product produced by the production device 40(see (b) of FIG. 33).

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating internal configurations of acontrol section of an image capturing device and a control section of aserver device which are provided in the work management system ofConcrete Example 18. As illustrated in FIG. 34, a control section 31 ofan image capturing device 20 includes an input information determiningsection 31 d and a recording processing section 31 f. A control section70 of a server device 60 includes a recording instructing section(machine signal receiving section) 70 g, a trouble informationgenerating section (trouble information processing section) 70 h, and asearch processing section 70 j.

The input information determining section 31, similar to that inConcrete Example 7, determines input information in accordance withinput support information, and controls a communication section 30 so asto transmit the input information thus determined to the server device60.

Note, however, that an input support information storing section 29 ofConcrete Example 18 stores therein, for each production device 40 whoseoperation situation during occurrence of an abnormality is desired to bechecked, (i) twentieth input support information which supports input ofa start of a check on the each production device 40 and (ii)twenty-first input support information which supports input of a startof a check on a product.

The twentieth input support information is information in which acombination (twentieth combination) of the two-dimensional codes C30 andC32 located at respective both sides of the two-dimensional code tableillustrated in (a) of FIG. 32 is associated with a twentieth algorithm.The twentieth algorithm is an algorithm in accordance with which amachine check signal (machine inspection signal) to which a worker ID(machine inspector identification information) stored in a worker IDstoring section 28 is added is set as the input information.

The twenty-first input support information is information in which acombination (twenty-first combination) of the two-dimensional codes C33and C35 located at respective both sides of the two-dimensional codetable illustrated in (a) of FIG. 33 is associated with a twenty-firstalgorithm. The twenty-first algorithm is an algorithm in accordance withwhich a product check signal (product inspection signal) to which theworker ID (product inspector identification information) stored in theworker ID storing section 28 is added is set as the input information.

In a case where the worker is to start the check (machine inspection) onthe production device, the worker places his/her hand over the at-startshielded code as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 32. In this case, since theat-start shielded code is hidden by the worker's hand, amultidimensional code recognizing section 22 of the image capturingdevice 20, which captures an image of the worker's hands, recognizes,from a captured frame, the combination of the two-dimensional codes C30and C32 located at the respective both sides of the two-dimensional codetable (which combination is identical to the twentieth combination).Therefore, the input information determining section 31 d functions as amachine inspection signal generating section which, in accordance withthe twentieth input support information, reads the worker ID from theworker ID storing section 28 and determines, as the input information,the machine check signal to which the worker ID thus read is added.

In a case where the worker is to start the check on the product (productinspection), the worker places his/her hand over the at-start shieldedcode as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 33. In this case, since the at-startshielded code is hidden by the worker's hand, the multidimensional coderecognizing section 22 of the image capturing device 20, which capturesan image of the worker's hands, recognizes, from a captured frame, thecombination of the two-dimensional codes C33 and C35 located at therespective both sides of the two-dimensional code table (whichcombination of identical to the twenty-first combination). Therefore,the input information determining section 31 d functions as a productinspection signal generating section which, in accordance with thetwenty-first input support information, reads the worker ID from theworker ID storing section 28 and determines, as the input information,the product check signal to which the worker ID thus read is added.

The recording processing section 31 f starts transmitting, to the serverdevice 60, a frame captured by the image capturing section 21, uponreceipt of a recording start instruction from the server device 60. Therecording processing section 31 f stops transmitting, to the serverdevice 60, the frame captured by the image capturing section 21, uponreceipt of a recording stop instruction from the server device 60.

The recording instructing section 70 g controls a communication section61 so as to transmit, for each production line, the recording startinstruction or the recording stop instruction to the image capturingdevice 20, depending on a status signal supplied from the productiondevice 40.

As has been described, the production device 40 outputs, as the statussignal, (i) an operation signal indicating whether the production device40 is in operation or stopped and (ii) a trouble signal indicatingwhether an abnormality reporting section 45 is in operation or not. FIG.35 is a view illustrating a relationship between a change in the statussignal and a recording time period. Upper part of FIG. 35 illustrates anexample time course of the status signal. As has been described, theproduction device 40 is designed to be stopped in a case where anyabnormality occurs. Therefore, in a case where any abnormality occurswhile the production device 40 is in operation, the production device 40transmits, to the server device 60, (i) the operation signal indicatingthat the production device 40 is stopped and (ii) the trouble signalindicating that the abnormality reporting device 45 is in operation.Thereafter, in a case where the worker, upon receipt of a report fromthe abnormality reporting section 45, comes to the production device 40and presses a button for canceling such abnormality reporting, theproduction device 40 changes the trouble signal to one indicating thatthe abnormality reporting is cancelled. In a case where the worker thenhandles the abnormality and accordingly operation is resumed, theproduction device 40 changes the operation signal to one indicating thatthe production device 40 is in operation.

According to Concrete Example 18, the recording instructing section 70 goutputs the recording start instruction at a timing when the troublesignal is changed from one indicating that the abnormality reporting isgiven to one indicating that the abnormality reporting is cancelled.That is, the recording instructing section 70 g recognizes, as anabnormality start signal, a combination of (i) the operation signalindicating that the production device 40 is stopped and (ii) the troublesignal indicating that the abnormality reporting is cancelled, andoutputs the recording start instruction at a timing of receipt of theabnormality start signal. In such a case where the production line is inautomatic operation, the worker is not in a vicinity of the productiondevice 40 from a timing (reference sign “Ta” in FIG. 35) when theabnormality occurred to a timing (reference sign “Tb” in FIG. 35) whenthe abnormality report is cancelled. Therefore, a moving image capturedduring such a time period by the image capturing device 20 worn by theworker is not related to action to be taken against the abnormality. Forthis reason, the recording instructing section 70 g outputs therecording start instruction at a timing when the worker comes to thevicinity of the production device 40, that is, at a timing when theabnormality reporting is cancelled.

In this case, the recording instructing section 70 g specifies, from aworker information storing section 65, a camera ID of the imagecapturing device 20 worn by the worker who is in charge of acorresponding production line. The recording instructing section 70 gthen supplies the recording start instruction merely to the imagecapturing device 20, which is identified by the camera ID thusspecified.

The recording instructing section 70 g outputs the recording stopinstruction at a timing (reference sign “Tc” in FIG. 35) when theoperation signal is changed from one indicating that the productiondevice 40 is stopped to one indicating that the production device 40 isin operation. The timing when the operation signal is changed from oneindicating that the production device 40 is stopped to one indicatingthat the production device 40 is in operation indicates a timing whenthe abnormality is overcome.

In this case, the recording instructing section 70 g specifies, from theworker information storing section 65, the camera ID of the imagecapturing device 20 worn by the worker who is in charge of thecorresponding production line. The recording instructing section 70 gthen supplies the recording stop instruction merely to the imagecapturing device 20 which is identified by the camera ID thus specified.

The recording instructing section 70 g temporarily stores, in an imagestoring section 62, a moving image received from the image capturingdevice 20 to which the recording instructing section 70 g has suppliedthe recording start instruction, as an abnormality occurrence movingimage. In this case, the recording instructing section 70 g temporarilystores, in an image storing section 62, the abnormality occurrencemoving image in association with the worker ID received from the imagecapturing device 20.

The trouble information generating section 70 h generates troubleinformation on the abnormality which occurred in the production device40, and stores the trouble information in the image storing section 62.FIG. 36 is a view illustrating example trouble information generated bythe trouble information generating section 70 h. As illustrated in FIG.36, the trouble information is information in which, for each productiondevice 40 in which an abnormality occurred, a machine ID whichidentifies the each production device 40 is associated with (i) a unitID which identifies a unit in the each production device 40 in whichunit the abnormality occurred, (ii) a time at which the abnormalityoccurred (abnormality occurrence time), (iii) a time at which theabnormality reporting was cancelled (handling start time), (iv) a timeat which action against the abnormality was ended (action end time), (v)contents of the action, (vi) a line name of a production line to whichthe each production device 40 belongs, (vii) a location name indicativeof a location where the each production device 40 is provided, (viii) amachine handling worker ID indicative of a worker who carried out acheck on the each production device 40 after the abnormality occurred,(ix) a moving image file captured by the image capturing device 20 wornby the worker identified by the machine handling worker ID, (x) aproduct ID and a lot number of a product produced by the each productiondevice 40, (xi) a product checking worker ID indicative of a worker whocarried out a check on the production produced by the each productiondevice 40 after the abnormality occurred, and (xii) a moving image filecaptured by the image capturing device 20 worn by the worker identifiedby the product checking worker ID.

The trouble information generating section 70 h obtains, from theproduction device 40 which outputs (i) the operation signal indicatingthat the production device 40 is stopped and (ii) the trouble signalindicating that the abnormality reporting is given, the machine ID whichidentifies the production device 40, the unit ID which identifies theunit in which the abnormality occurs, and the abnormality occurrencetime. The trouble information generating section 70 h then generates atrouble information record in which the machine ID, the unit ID, and theabnormality occurrence time thus obtained are associated with eachother, and stores the trouble information record in the image storingsection 62.

For each trouble information record, the trouble information generatingsection 70 h obtains, from a line information storing section 67, theline name and the location name each corresponding to the machine IDincluded in the each trouble information record, and adds the line nameand the location name thus obtained to the each trouble informationrecord.

Further, for the each trouble information record, the troubleinformation generating section 70 h obtains, from a lot managing device50, the product ID and the lot number each corresponding to the machineID included in the each trouble information record, and adds the productID and the lot number thus obtained to the each trouble informationrecord.

Further, for the each trouble information record, the troubleinformation generating section 70 h adds, to the each troubleinformation record, a time at which the trouble signal is changed fromone indicating that the abnormality reporting is given to one indicatingthat the abnormality reporting is cancelled, as the handling start time.For the each trouble information record, the trouble informationgenerating section 70 h adds, to the each trouble information record, atime at which the operation signal is changed from one indicating thatthe production device 40 is stopped to one indicating that theproduction device 40 is in operation, as the action end time.

Further, for the each trouble information record, the troubleinformation generating section 70 h specifies, from the workerinformation storing section 65, worker IDs corresponding to the linename included in the each trouble information record. The troubleinformation generating section 70 h determines whether, out of theworker IDs thus specified, there is a worker ID which matches the workerID added to the machine check signal received from the image capturingdevice 20. In a case where there is a worker ID which matches the workerID added to the machine check signal, the trouble information generatingsection 70 h adds, to the each trouble information record, the worker IDas the machine handling worker ID. In a case where there is no worker IDwhich matches the worker ID added to the machine check signal, thetrouble information generating section 70 h adds, to the each troubleinformation record, a worker ID which corresponds to the line nameincluded in the each trouble information record and which has a mainworker flag, out of the worker IDs stored in the worker informationstoring section 65, as the machine handling worker ID (machine inspectoridentification information). The trouble information generating section70 h then reads, from the image storing section 62, the abnormalityoccurrence moving image corresponding to the machine handling worker ID,and adds, to the each trouble information record, the abnormalityoccurrence moving image as a machine handling moving image.

Similarly, for the each trouble information record, the troubleinformation generating section 70 h specifies, from the workerinformation storing section 65, the worker IDs corresponding to the linename included in the each trouble information record. The troubleinformation generating section 70 h determines whether, out of theworker IDs thus specified, there is a worker ID which matches the workerID added to the product check signal received from the image capturingdevice 20. In a case where there is a worker ID which matches the workerID added to the product check signal, the trouble information generatingsection 70 h adds, to the each trouble information record, the worker IDas the product checking worker ID (product inspector identificationinformation). In a case where there is no worker ID which matches theworker ID added to the product check signal, the trouble informationgenerating section 70 h adds, to the each trouble information record,the worker ID which corresponds to the line name included in the eachtrouble information record and which has the main worker flag, out ofthe worker IDs stored in the worker information storing section 65, asthe product checking worker ID. The trouble information generatingsection 70 h then reads, from the image storing section 62, theabnormality occurrence moving image corresponding to the productchecking worker ID, and adds, to the each trouble information record,the abnormality occurrence moving image as a product check moving image.

The search processing section 70 j, in response to a search requestsupplied from a display terminal 80, searches for the troubleinformation (see FIG. 36) stored in the image storing section 62, andtransmits a search result screen to the display terminal 80.

For example, the search processing section 70 j can create the searchresult screen on which pieces of trouble information are sortedaccording to the machine ID, the unit ID, the machine worker ID, and/orthe product checking worker ID. FIG. 37 is an example search resultscreen on which the pieces of trouble information are sorted accordingto the machine ID and the unit ID. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG.38, the pieces of the trouble information can be sorted according to thecontents of the action in descending order of the number of times theaction is taken.

Alternatively, the search processing section 70 j can (i) calculate, asa recovery time, a time which is a difference between the action endtime and the handling start time and (ii) create the search resultscreen including the recovery time thus calculated. FIG. 39 is anexample search result screen on which the pieces of the troubleinformation are sorted according to the location name and which includesthe recovery time calculated for each trouble information record.Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 39, the search processing section 70j can cause the search result screen to include a standard time whichserves as a reference against the recovery time. The standard time canbe set in advance or can be alternatively set as in Concrete Example 6.In this case, the search processing section 70 j can create the searchresult screen on which the pieces of the trouble information are sortedaccording to a difference between the standard time and the recoverytime in ascending or descending order.

Further, the search processing section 70 j receives, from the displayterminal 80, a request for delivery of the machine handling moving imageor the product check moving image, and delivers, to the display terminal80, the machine handling moving image or the product check moving imagespecified by such a delivery request. This allows the worker or themanager to check a desired moving image by operating the displayterminal 80.

In this case, the search processing section 70 j can be arranged to (i)count the number of times of the delivery for each machine handlingmoving image and each product check moving image and (ii) accumulate thenumber of times of the delivery thus counted by adding it to the troubleinformation. In this case, the search processing section 70 j is capableof creating the search result screen on which the pieces of the troubleinformation are sorted according to the number of times of the deliveryin descending order.

Flow of Process of Generating Trouble Information in Concrete Example 18

Next, the following description will discuss how the work managementsystem of Concrete Example 18 generates the trouble information. FIG. 40is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of generating troubleinformation. The trouble information generating section 70 h of theserver device 60 carries out the process illustrated in FIG. 40 for eachproduction line. FIG. 40 illustrates a process carried out with respectto a production line “a” (merely referred to as “line “a”” in FIG. 40).

First, the trouble information generating section 70 h examines a statussignal outputted from a production device 40 which belongs to theproduction line “a”, that is, determines whether (i) an operation signalindicates that the production device 40 is stopped and (ii) a troublesignal indicates that abnormality reporting is given (step S31). In acase of No in the step S31, the step S31 is repeated.

In a case where the production device 40 outputs (i) the operationsignal indicating that the production device 40 is stopped and (ii) thetrouble signal indicating that the abnormality reporting is given (Yes,in the step S31), the trouble information generating section 70 hrequests the production device 40 for a machine ID, a unit ID of a unitin which an abnormality occurs, an abnormality occurrence time, andobtains these pieces of information. The trouble information generatingsection 70 h then generates a trouble information record including themachine ID, the unit ID, and the abnormality occurrence time thusobtained, and stores the trouble information record in the image storingsection 62 (step S32). In this case, the trouble information generatingsection 70 h specifies, from the line information storing section 67, alocation name and a line name corresponding to the production line “a”,and adds the location name and the line name thus specified to thetrouble information record.

Next, the control section 70 determines whether the control section 70receives, from the production device 40, the trouble signal indicatingthat the abnormality reporting is cancelled (step S33). In a case wherethe control section 70 does not receive the trouble signal indicatingthat the abnormality reporting is cancelled, the step S33 is repeated.

In a case where the control section 70 receives the trouble signalindicating that the abnormality reporting is cancelled (Yes, in the stepS33), a step S34 is carried out. In the step S34, the troubleinformation generating section 70 h adds, to the trouble informationrecord generated in the step S32, a current time as a handling starttime. Meanwhile, the recording instructing section 70 g and the troubleinformation generating section 70 h each read, from the workerinformation storing section 65, (i) a worker ID of a worker who works inthe production line “a” and (ii) a camera ID worn by the worker.

The recording instructing section 70 g then supplies a recording startinstruction to the image capturing device 20 identified by the camera IDthus read (step S35). This causes the recording processing section 31 fof the image capturing device 20 which receives the recording startinstruction to start transmitting, to the server device 60, (i) a framecaptured by the image capturing section 21 and (ii) the worker ID. Therecording instructing section 70 g temporarily stores, in the imagestoring section 62, the frame received from the image capturing device20, as a frame of which an abnormality occurrence moving image is madeup, in association with the worker ID. Meanwhile, the troubleinformation generating section 70 h reads, from the lot managing device50, a product ID and a lot number corresponding to the production line“a”, and adds the product ID and the lot number to the troubleinformation record (step S36).

Note that the case, where the control section 70 receives the troublesignal indicating that the abnormality reporting is cancelled (Yes, inthe step S33), indicates when the worker presses a button for cancellingabnormality reporting which button is provided in the production device40. The worker then carries out a machine check on the production device40 or a product check on a product produced by the production device 40.In this case, the worker who carries out the machine check placeshis/her hand over a two-dimensional code C31 serving as an at-startshielded code while looking at a two-dimensional code table (see FIG.32) attached to the production device 40. This causes, as has beendescribed above, the input information determining section 31 d of theimage capturing device 20 worn by the worker to transmit, to the serverdevice 60, a machine check signal to which the worker ID is added.Further, the worker who carries out the product check places his/herhand over a two-dimensional code C34 serving as an at-start shieldedcode while looking at a two-dimensional code table (see FIG. 33)attached to the production device 40. This causes, as has been describedabove, the input information determining section 31 d of the imagecapturing device 20 worn by the worker to transmit, to the server device60, a product check signal to which the worker ID is added. Note that,in a case where the trouble information generating section 70 h of theserver device 60 receives the machine check signal or the product checksignal, the trouble information generating section 70 h temporarilystores therein the machine check signal or the product check signal.

Next, the control section 70 determines whether the control section 70receives, from the production device 40, the operation signal indicatingthat the production device 40 is in operation (step S37). In a casewhere the control section 70 does not receive the operation signalindicating that the production device 40 is in operation (No, in thestep S37), the step S37 is repeated.

In a case where the control section 70 receives the operation signalindicating that the production device 40 is in operation (Yes, in thestep S37), the trouble information generating section 70 h adds, to thetrouble information record generated in the step S32, a current time asan action end time (step S38). Meanwhile, the recording instructingsection 70 g supplies a recording stop instruction to the imagecapturing device 20 to which the recording instructing section 70 g hassupplied the recording start instruction in the step S35 (step S39).This causes the recording processing section 31 f of the image capturingdevice 20, which receives the recording stop instruction, to stoptransmitting, to the server device 60, the frame captured by the imagecapturing section 21.

Then, the trouble information generating section 70 h determines whetheror not the trouble information generating section 70 h received themachine check signal between when the control section 70 determined thatthe control section 70 received the trouble signal indicating that theabnormality reporting was cancelled (Yes, in the step S33) and when thecontrol section 70 determined that the control section 70 received theoperation signal indicating that the production device 40 was inoperation (Yes, in the step S37) (step S40). In a case where the troubleinformation generating section 70 h receives the machine check signal(Yes, in the step S40), the trouble information generating section 70 hadds, to the trouble information record generated in the step S32, theworker ID, added to the machine check signal, as a machine handlingworker ID (step S41). Further, the trouble information generatingsection 70 h reads, from the image storing section 62, the abnormalityoccurrence moving image corresponding to the machine handling worker ID,and adds the abnormality occurrence moving image to the troubleinformation record generated in the step S32 (step S42).

On the other hand, in a case where the trouble information generatingsection 70 h does not receive the machine check signal (No, in the stepS40), the trouble information generating section 70 h specifies, fromthe worker information storing section 65, a worker ID which correspondsto the production line “a” and which has a main worker flag. The troubleinformation generating section 70 h then adds, to the troubleinformation record generated in the step S32, the worker ID thusspecified as the machine handling worker ID (step S43). Further, thetrouble information generating section 70 h reads, from the imagestoring section 62, the abnormality occurrence moving imagecorresponding to the machine handling worker ID, and adds theabnormality occurrence moving image to the trouble information recordgenerated in the step S32 (step S44).

Next, the trouble information generating section 70 h determines whetheror not the trouble information generating section 70 h received theproduct check signal between when the control section 70 determined thatthe control section 70 received the trouble signal indicating that theabnormality reporting was cancelled (Yes, in the step S33) and when thecontrol section 70 determined that the control section 70 received theoperation signal indicating that the production device 40 was inoperation (Yes, in the step S37) (step S45). In a case where the troubleinformation generating section 70 h receives the product check signal(Yes, in the step S45), the trouble information generating section 70 hadds, to the trouble information record generated in the step S32, theworker ID, added to the product check signal, as a product checkingworker (step S46). Further, the trouble information generating section70 h reads, from the image storing section 62, the abnormalityoccurrence moving image corresponding to the product checking worker ID,and adds the abnormality occurrence moving image to the troubleinformation record generated in the step S32 (step S47).

On the other hand, in a case where the trouble information generatingsection 70 h does not receive the product check signal (No, in the stepS45), the trouble information generating section 70 h specifies, fromthe worker information storing section 65, the worker ID whichcorresponds to the production line “a” and which has the main workerflag. The trouble information generating section 70 h then adds, to thetrouble information record generated in the step S32, the worker ID thusspecified as the product checking worker ID (step S48). Further, thetrouble information generating section 70 h reads, from the imagestoring section 62, the abnormality occurrence moving imagecorresponding to the product checking worker ID, and adds theabnormality occurrence moving image to the trouble information recordgenerated in the step S32 (step S49).

Thereafter, at an appropriate timing or in accordance with aninstruction from the worker, the trouble information generating section70 h transmits, to an input-output terminal of the production line “a”,a screen which encourages input of contents of action taken, and obtainsthe contents of the action from the input-output terminal. The troubleinformation generating section 70 h then adds the contents of the actionto the trouble information record generated in the step S32.

In this manner, the server device 60 is capable of accumulating troubleinformation as illustrated in FIG. 36.

According to Concrete Example 18, it is possible to accumulate a movingimage captured from a worker's viewpoint, as a machine handling movingimage or a product check moving image. It is therefore possible toeasily understand a point to which attention should be paid, when themachine handling moving image or the product check moving image is laterviewed.

Furthermore, since a recording start instruction and a recording stopinstruction are generated depending on a status signal supplied from aproduction device 40, it is possible to automatically accumulate merelya moving image captured while an abnormality is handled. As a result, itis not necessary to carry out a process of clipping off the movingimage. Moreover, it is possible to reduce a capacity of the serverdevice 60 to accumulate the moving image.

Moreover, a moving image captured during occurrence of an abnormality isaccumulated in the server device 60 in association with a machine ID, aunit ID, a location name, and the like. Therefore, it is possible for aworker or a manager to easily check a necessary moving image anytime byoperating the display terminal 80. For example, in a case where a workerhandles an abnormality which occurs in a production device 40, it ispossible for the worker to easily check merely a machine handling movingimage corresponding to the production device 40 by specifying a machineID of the production device 40.

Moreover, by providing a plurality of display terminals 80, it ispossible for a worker or a manager to easily check a necessary movingimage anywhere by operating one of the plurality of display terminals 80which one is in a vicinity of the worker or the manager.

Further, a moving image captured during occurrence of an abnormality isassociated with contents of action taken. Therefore, it is possible toeasily check a moving image corresponding to contents of action which isfrequently taken.

Further, not only a machine handling moving image but also a productcheck moving image is accumulated. Therefore, even in a case where acomplaint about a product is later received, it is possible to carry outa post-survey on an effect, on a product, of an abnormality of aproduction device 40, by viewing the product check moving image.

Concrete Example 19 Variation of Concrete Example 18

Concrete Example 18 has described a case where recording is started at atiming when the trouble signal is changed to one indicating that theabnormality reporting is cancelled. Alternatively, in a case of such aproduction line that a worker carries out operation near the productiondevice 40, the recording instructing section 70 g can outputs therecording start instruction at a timing (reference sign “Ta” in FIG. 35)when the server device 60 receives the trouble signal indicating thatthe abnormality reporting is given. That is, the recording instructingsection 70 g recognizes, as the abnormality start signal, a combinationof (i) the operation signal indicating that the production device 40 isstopped and (ii) the trouble signal indicating that the abnormalityreporting is given, and outputs the recording start instruction at atiming of receipt of the abnormality start signal.

Concrete Example 20 Variation of Concrete Example 18

In Concrete Example 18, the control section 70 of the server device 60can alternatively transmit, to the display terminal 80, the frame ofwhich the abnormality occurrence moving image is made up of and which isreceived from the image capturing device 20, in response to aninstruction from the display terminal 80. The display terminal 80 thendisplays, on a display section 83, the abnormality occurrence movingimage received from the server device 60.

This allows the manager looking at the display terminal 80 to check inreal time a moving image captured by the image capturing device 20 wornby the worker carrying out a machine check on the production device 40.

Furthermore, the display terminal 80 can be configured to include amicrophone and a speaker and to receive and transmit, in real time, asound signal from/to the image capturing device 20 via the server device60. This allows the manager to give an instruction to the worker by useof a sound while checking, on the display terminal 80, a work range ofthe worker.

Concrete Example 21 Variation of Concrete Example 18

In Concrete Example 18, in a case where the trouble informationgenerating section 70 h does not receive the machine check signal or theproduct check signal, a moving image captured by the image capturingdevice 20 worn by a main worker is set as the machine handling movingimage or the product check moving image. Alternatively, in a case wherethe trouble information generating section 70 h does not receive themachine check signal or the product check signal, the troubleinformation generating section 70 h does not need to register themachine handling moving image or the product check moving image in thetrouble information. That is, according to the flow of the processillustrated in FIG. 40, in a case of No in the step S40, the steps S43and S44 are omitted. In a case of No in the step S45, the steps S48 andS49 are omitted.

This is because the moving image captured by the image capturing device20 worn by the main worker is not always a moving image showing checkoperation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary movingimage from being accumulated.

(Others)

In the foregoing description, it has been explained that the serverdevice 60 includes the image storing section 62, the work recordaccumulating section 63, the check result storing section 64, the workerinformation storing section 65, the related information storing section66, and the line information storing section 67. Alternatively, the workmanagement system 1 can include another storing device in addition tothe server device 60, and the storing device can include all of or partof the image storing section 62, the work record accumulating section63, the check result storing section 64, the worker information storingsection 65, the related information storing section 66, and the lineinformation storing section 67. In this case, the server device 60 onlyneeds to access the storing device via a network.

(Software Implementation Example)

Finally, each block of the image capturing device 20 and the serverdevice 60 can be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuitprovided on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or can alternatively beimplemented by software with the use of a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

In the latter case, each of the image capturing device 20 and the serverdevice 60 includes: a CPU which executes instructions of a program thatcarries out the foregoing functions; and a storage device (recordingmedium) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) which stores the program, a RAM(Random Access Memory) in which the program is loaded, and a memorywhich stores the program and various sets of data. The object of thepresent invention can be attained by (i) supplying, to each of the imagecapturing device 20 and the server device 60, the recoding medium inwhich program codes (an executable program, an intermediate codeprogram, and a source program) of a program for controlling the imagecapturing device 20 and the server device 60, each of which isimplemented by software that executes the foregoing functions, arecomputer-readably recorded and (ii) causing a computer (or a CPU or anMPU) of the each of the image capturing device 20 and the server device60 to read and execute the program codes recorded in the recordingmedium.

Examples of the recording medium includes non-transitory tangiblemediums, for example, (i) tapes such as a magnetic tape and a cassettetape; (ii) disks including magnetic disks, such as a Floppy (RegisteredTrademark) disk and a hard disk, and optical disks, such as a CD-ROM, anMO, an MD, a DVD, and a CD-R; (iii) cards such as an IC card (includinga memory card) and an optical card; (iv) semiconductor memories such asa mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM (Registered Trademark), and a flash ROM; and(v) logic circuits such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) and an FPGA(Field Programmable Gate Array).

Each of the image capturing device 20 and the server device 60 can beconnected to a communication network so that the program codes aresupplied to the each of the image capturing device 20 and the serverdevice 60 via the communication network. This communication network isnot limited to any particular one, provided that the program codes canbe transmitted. Examples of the communication network include theInternet, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, ISDN, VAN, a CATVcommunications network, a virtual private network, a telephone network,a mobile telecommunications network, and a satellite communicationnetwork.

Further, a transmission medium by which the communication network isconstituted is not limited to any particular one, provided that theprogram codes can be transmitted. Examples of the transmission mediuminclude: wired transmission media such as IEEE1394, a USB, a power-linecarrier, a cable TV circuit, a telephone line, and ADSL (AsymmetricDigital Subscriber Line); and wireless transmission media such asinfrared communication systems such as IrDA and a remote control,Bluetooth (Registered Trademark), IEEE802.11 wireless communicationsystem, HDR (High Digital Rate), NFC (Near Field Communication), DLNA(Digital Living Network Alliance), a mobile phone network, a satellitecircuit, and a digital terrestrial network.

SUMMARY

A work management system in accordance with the present invention is awork management system including: an image capturing device worn by aworker; and a server device, the image capturing device including: animage capturing section for capturing an image of a work range of theworker; and a communication section for transmitting, to the serverdevice, at least one of (i) the image captured by the image capturingsection and (ii) generated information generated in accordance with theimage, the server device including: a management section for managingthe at least one of the image and the generated information which one isreceived from the communication section.

Further, a work management method in accordance with the presentinvention is a method of managing a work management system including (i)an image capturing device worn by a worker and (ii) a server device, theimage capturing device including an image capturing section forcapturing an image of a work range of the worker, the method comprisingthe steps of: transmitting, to the server device, at least one of (i)the image captured by the image capturing section and (ii) generatedinformation generated in accordance with the image; and managing the atleast one of the image and the generated information which one isreceived by the server device.

According to the above configuration, the image capturing device is wornby the worker, and captures an image of the work range of the worker.Since the image capturing device captures the image of the work range,an image of the worker himself/herself is not captured. This causes apsychological burden to be less imposed on the worker. It is thereforepossible to provide a work management system capable of easily capturingan image of a work range of a worker while less imposing a psychologicalburden on the worker.

The work management system of the present invention is preferablyarranged so as to further include: an image storing section, wherein:the image capturing device further includes an instruction receivingsection for receiving (i) a creation start instruction to start creatinga work standard and (ii) a creation end instruction to end creation ofthe work standard; and the management section stores, in the imagestoring section, a moving image which is captured by the image capturingsection from when the instruction receiving section receives thecreation start instruction until when the instruction receiving sectionreceives the creation end instruction, as a moving-image work standard.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily createthe moving-image work standard in which the image of the work range isaccurately captured, by the worker wearing the image capturing device.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the communication section transmits, tothe server device, the moving image which is captured by the imagecapturing section from when the instruction receiving section receivesthe creation start instruction until when the instruction receivingsection receives the creation end instruction, as the moving-image workstandard; and the management section stores, in the image storingsection, the moving-image work standard received from the communicationsection.

According to the above configuration, clipping of the moving-image workstandard is carried out by the image capturing device. Therefore, theserver device does not need to clip the moving-image work standard.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the image capturing device furtherincludes a multidimensional code recognizing section for recognizingmultidimensional codes contained in the image captured by the imagecapturing section; the instruction receiving section receives thecreation start instruction to start creating the work standard, in acase where the multidimensional codes recognized by the multidimensionalcode recognizing section indicate that the creation of the work standardis to be started; and the instruction receiving section receives thecreation end instruction to end the creation of the work standard, in acase where the multidimensional codes recognized by the multidimensionalcode recognizing section indicate that the creation of the work standardis ended.

According to the above configuration, the creation start instruction orthe creation end instruction is automatically inputted merely by (i)preparing, in advance, the multidimensional codes which correspond to astart of creation of a work standard and (ii) the worker acting so thatthe image capturing device worn by the worker captures an image of themultidimensional codes.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the image capturing device furtherincludes a multidimensional code recognizing section for recognizingmultidimensional codes contained in the image captured by the imagecapturing section; and the communication section transmits, to theserver device, information corresponding to the multidimensional codesrecognized by the multidimensional code recognizing section, as thegenerated information.

According to the above configuration, the generated information isautomatically transmitted to the server device, merely by (i) preparing,in advance, the multidimensional codes and (ii) the worker acting sothat the image capturing device worn by the worker captures an image ofthe multidimensional codes.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: one of the image capturing device and theserver device includes a work time calculating section for calculating awork time that is a time period from when the multidimensional coderecognizing section recognizes the multidimensional codes whichcorrespond to a start of work until when the multidimensional coderecognizing section recognizes the multidimensional codes whichcorrespond to an end of the work; and the server device further includesa standard time setting section for setting a standard time of the workin accordance with distribution of work times calculated by the worktime calculating section.

According to the above configuration, the work time is automaticallycalculated merely by (i) preparing, in advance, the multidimensionalcodes corresponding to a start of work and the multidimensional codescorresponding to an end of work and (ii) the worker acting so that theimage capturing device worn by the worker captures an image of themultidimensional codes. Then, the standard time is set in accordancewith the distribution of work times thus calculated. Therefore, even ina case where there are a large number of types of work, it is possibleto easily set a standard time for each work. Furthermore, even in a casewhere work is frequently improved and accordingly work time is changed,it is possible to easily set a standard time suitable for a current timepoint.

Note that the work management system can be arranged such that: theimage capturing device further includes an information generatingsection for generating, as the generated information, (i) a work starttime at which the multidimensional code recognizing section recognizesthe multidimensional codes which correspond to the start of the work and(ii) a work end time at which the multidimensional code recognizingsection recognizes the multidimensional codes which corresponding to theend of the work; the communication section transmits, to the serverdevice, the generated information generated by the informationgenerating section; the server device includes the work time calculatingsection; and the work time calculating section calculates the work timein accordance with the work start time and the work end time indicatedby the generated information received from the communication section.

Alternatively, the work management system can be arranged such that: theimage capturing device includes the work time calculating section; andthe communication section transmits, to the server device, the work timecalculated by the work time calculating section, as the generatedinformation.

Moreover, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged so as to further include: an input informationstoring section, wherein: the image capturing device further includes:an input support information storing section in which input supportinformation, in which a combination of multidimensional codes isassociated with at least one of (i) predetermined information which isto be set as input information and (ii) an algorithm in accordance withwhich the input information is determined, is stored; and an inputinformation determining section for determining the input information inaccordance with (a) a combination of the multidimensional codesrecognized by the multidimensional code recognizing section and (b) theinput support information; the communication section transmits, to theserver device, the input information determined by the input informationdetermining section, as the generated information; and the managementsection stores, in the input information storing section, the inputinformation received from the communication section.

According to the above configurations, it is possible to determine theinput information merely by (i) preparing, in advance, the combinationof the multidimensional codes indicated by the input support informationand (ii) the worker acting so that the image capturing device worn bythe worker captures an image of the combination of the multidimensionalcodes. That is, it is possible to determine the input information andaccumulate the input information thus determined in the inputinformation storing section, without causing the worker to conductoperation with use of a keyboard or a mouse.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the input support information storingsection stores therein input support information A in which acombination of multidimensional codes which combination corresponds to astart of work carried out with use of a machine is associated with analgorithm in accordance with which (i) a current time is set as a workstart time and (ii) a work record creating instruction, including thework start time and machine identification information that identifiesthe machine, is set as the input information; and the management sectionaccumulates, in the input information storing section, a work record inwhich the machine identification information and the work start time,each of which is included in the work record creating instructionreceived from the communication section, are associated with each other.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the input support information storingsection stores therein input support information B in which acombination of multidimensional codes which combination corresponds toan end of work carried out with use of a machine is associated with analgorithm in accordance with which (i) a current time is set as a workend time and (ii) a work record creating instruction, including the workend time and machine identification information that identifies themachine, is set as the input information; and the management sectionaccumulates, in the input information storing section, a work record inwhich the machine identification information and the work end time, eachof which is included in the work record creating instruction receivedfrom the communication section, are associated with each other.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the input support information storingsection stores therein input support information C in which acombination of multidimensional codes which combination corresponds to astart of work carried out with respect to an object is associated withan algorithm in accordance with which (i) a current time is set as awork start time and (ii) a work record creating instruction, includingthe work start time and object identification information thatidentifies the object, is set as the input information; and themanagement section accumulates, in the input information storingsection, a work record in which the object identification informationand the work start time, each of which is included in the work recordcreating instruction received from the communication section, areassociated with each other.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the input support information storingsection stores therein input support information D in which acombination of multidimensional codes which combination corresponds toan end of work carried out with respect to an object is associated withan algorithm in accordance with which (i) a current time is set as awork end time and (ii) a work record creating instruction, including thework end time and object identification information that identifies theobject, is set as the input information; and the management sectionaccumulates, in the input information storing section, a work record inwhich the object identification information and the work end time, eachof which is included in the work record creating instruction receivedfrom the communication section, are associated with each other.

According to the above configurations, it is possible to accumulate thework record in the input information storing section by the workeracting so that the image capturing device worn by the worker captures animage of the combination of the multidimensional codes, withoutconducting operation with use of a keyboard or a mouse.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged so as to further include: a plurality of displaydevices; and a related information storing section in which machineidentification information and machine-related information are stored inassociation with each other, the machine identification informationidentifying a machine to be a work target, the machine-relatedinformation being related to the machine, wherein: the image capturingdevice further includes a work target storing section in which themachine identification information is stored; the input supportinformation storing section stores therein pieces of input supportinformation E in each of which a combination of multidimensional codeswhich combination corresponds to a corresponding one of the plurality ofdisplay devices is associated with an algorithm in accordance with whicha display instruction, including (i) display device identificationinformation that identifies the corresponding one of the plurality ofdisplay devices and (ii) the machine identification information storedin the work target storing section, is set as the input information; theserver device further includes a display control section for, in a casewhere the display control section receives the display instructionincluding the machine identification information and the display deviceidentification information, (a) reading, from the related informationstoring section, the machine-related information corresponding to themachine identification information included in the display instructionthus received and (b) transmitting the machine-related information thusread to the corresponding one of the plurality of display devices whichis identified by the display device identification information includedin the display instruction thus received; and the corresponding one ofthe plurality of display devices displays the machine-relatedinformation received from the display control section.

Alternatively, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged so as to further include: a plurality of displaydevices; and a related information storing section in which objectidentification information and object-related information are stored inassociation with each other, the object identification informationidentifying an object to be a work target, the object-relatedinformation being related to the object; wherein: the image capturingdevice further includes a work target storing section in which theobject identification information is stored; the input supportinformation storing section stores therein pieces of input supportinformation E in each of which a combination of multidimensional codeswhich combination corresponds to a corresponding one of the plurality ofdisplay devices is associated with an algorithm in accordance with whicha display instruction, including (i) display device identificationinformation that identifies the corresponding one of the plurality ofdisplay devices and (ii) the object identification information stored inthe work target storing section, is set as the input information; theserver device further includes a display control section for, in a casewhere the display control section receives the display instructionincluding the object identification information and the display deviceidentification information, (a) reading, from the related informationstoring section, the object-related information corresponding to theobject identification information included in the display instructionthus received and (b) transmitting the object-related information thusread to the corresponding one of the plurality of display devices whichis identified by the display device identification information includedin the display instruction thus received; and the corresponding one ofthe plurality of display devices displays the object-related informationreceived from the display control section.

Note that the object identification information is, for example,information that identifies a product or a lot produced by carrying outwork.

Further, the work management system of the present invention can bearranged such that: a plurality of multidimensional codes are arrangedon a periphery of each of the plurality of display devices; and thecombination of the multidimensional codes included in each of the piecesof the input support information E indicates a combination of theplurality of multidimensional codes arranged on the periphery of acorresponding one of the plurality of display devices.

Further, the plurality of multidimensional codes arranged on theperiphery of the each of the plurality of display devices can include(i) an upper left multidimensional code arranged at an upper left cornerof the each of the plurality of display devices, (ii) an upper rightmultidimensional code arranged at an upper right corner of the each ofthe plurality of display devices, (iii) a lower left multidimensionalcode arranged at a lower left corner of the each of the plurality ofdisplay devices, and (iv) a lower right multidimensional code arrangedat a lower right corner of the each of the plurality of display devices.

According to the above configurations, it is possible to see desiredmachine-related information or object-related information on the displaydevice merely by the worker acting so that the image capturing deviceworn by the worker captures an image of the combination of themultidimensional codes corresponding to the display device, withoutconducting operation with use of a keyboard or a mouse.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged so as to further include: a plurality of displaydevices, wherein: each of the plurality of display devices has (i) anupper left multidimensional code at its upper left corner, (ii) an upperright multidimensional code at its upper right corner, (iii) a lowerleft multidimensional code at its lower left corner, and (iv) a lowerright multidimensional code at its lower right corner; the input supportinformation storing section stores therein (a) pieces of input supportinformation F in each of which a combination F of the upper leftmultidimensional code and the upper right multidimensional code, whichare arranged on a corresponding one of the plurality of display devices,is associated with a display instruction including display deviceidentification information, which identifies the corresponding one ofthe plurality of display devices, and direction information indicativeof an upper direction and (b) pieces of input support information G ineach of which a combination G of the lower left multidimensional codeand the lower right multidimensional code, which are arranged on acorresponding one of the plurality of display devices, is associatedwith a display instruction including display device identificationinformation, which identifies the corresponding one of the plurality ofdisplay devices, and direction information indicative of a lowerdirection; in a case where the combination of the multidimensional codesrecognized by the multidimensional code recognizing section matches thecombination F or G, the input information determining sectiondetermines, as the input information, the display instructioncorresponding to the combination F or G which the combination of themultidimensional codes recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section matches; the server device further includes adisplay control section for, in a case where the display control sectionreceives the display instruction including the display deviceidentification information and the direction information, transmitting,to the corresponding one of the plurality of display devices which isidentified by the display device identification information included inthe display instruction thus received, a scrolling instruction to scrolla display screen in a direction corresponding to the directioninformation included in the display instruction thus received; and thecorresponding one of the plurality of display devices scrolls thedisplay screen in accordance with the scrolling instruction receivedfrom the display control section.

Alternatively, the work management system of the present invention canbe arranged so as to further include: a plurality of display devices,wherein: each of the plurality of display devices has (i) an upper leftmultidimensional code at its upper left corner, (ii) an upper rightmultidimensional code at its upper right corner, (iii) a lower leftmultidimensional code at its lower left corner, and (iv) a lower rightmultidimensional code at its lower right corner; the input supportinformation storing section stores therein (a) pieces of input supportinformation H in each of which a combination H of the upper leftmultidimensional code and the lower left multidimensional code, whichare arranged on a corresponding one of the plurality of display devices,is associated with a display instruction including display deviceidentification information, which identifies the corresponding one ofthe plurality of display devices, and direction information indicativeof a left direction and (b) pieces of input support information I ineach of which a combination I of the upper right multidimensional codeand the lower right multidimensional code, which are arranged on acorresponding one of the plurality of display devices, is associatedwith a display instruction including display device identificationinformation, which identifies the corresponding one of the plurality ofdisplay devices, and direction information indicative of a rightdirection; in a case where the combination of the multidimensional codesrecognized by the multidimensional code recognizing section matches thecombination H or I, the input information determining sectiondetermines, as the input information, the display instructioncorresponding to the combination H or I which the combination of themultidimensional codes recognized by the multidimensional coderecognizing section matches; the server device further includes adisplay control section for, in a case where the display control sectionreceives the display instruction including the display deviceidentification information and the direction information, transmitting,to the corresponding one of the plurality of display devices which isidentified by the display device identification information included inthe display instruction thus received, a scrolling instruction to scrolla display screen in a direction corresponding to the directioninformation included in the display instruction thus received; and thecorresponding one of the plurality of display devices scrolls thedisplay screen in accordance with the scrolling instruction receivedfrom the display control section.

According to the above configurations, it is possible to cause thedisplay screen of the display device to be scrolled merely by the worker(i) changing a direction of the image capturing device worn by theworker and (ii) acting so that the image capturing device captures animage of any two of the multidimensional codes arranged at respectivecorners of the display device, without conducting operation with use ofa keyboard or a mouse.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the input support information storingsection stores therein input support information J in which acombination J of multidimensional codes which combination corresponds toa check item and a check result is associated with a check resultregistration instruction including check item identificationinformation, which identifies the check item, and check resultinformation indicative of the check result; and the management sectionaccumulates, in the input information storing section, the check itemidentification information and the check result information, each ofwhich is included in the check result registration instruction receivedfrom the communication section, in association with each other.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to accumulate thecheck result in the input information storing section merely by theworker acting so that the image capturing device worn by the workercaptures an image of the combination J of the multidimensional codes,without conducting operation with use of a keyboard or a mouse.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the input support information J isarranged such that the combination J is also associated with analgorithm in accordance with which (i) a current time is set as a checktime and (ii) the check time is included in the check resultregistration instruction; and the management section accumulates, in theinput information storing section, the check item identificationinformation, the check result information, and the check time, each ofwhich is included in the check result registration instruction receivedfrom the communication section, in association with each other.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to also accumulatethe check time in the input information storing section without causingthe worker to conduct operation with use of a keyboard or a mouse.

The work management system of the present invention can be arranged soas to further include: a sound input device which is worn by the worker,wherein: the input support information storing section stores therein,for a check item with respect to which a check is carried out by use ofthe sound input device, input support information K in which acombination of multidimensional codes which combination corresponds tothe check item is associated with an algorithm in accordance with which(i) check result information indicative of a check result is generatedin accordance with a sound inputted in the sound input device and (ii) acheck result registration instruction, including the check resultinformation thus generated and check item identification informationthat identifies the check item, is set as the input information; and themanagement section accumulates, in the input information storingsection, the check item identification information and the check resultinformation, each of which is included in the check result registrationinstruction received from the communication section, in association witheach other.

Note that the sound input device can be integrated with the imagecapturing device.

According to the above configurations, it is possible to accumulate thecheck result in the input information storing section merely by theworker (i) acting so that the image capturing device worn by the workercaptures an image of the combination of the multidimensional codescorresponding to the check item and (ii) uttering a predetermined sound.

Further, the work management system of the present invention can bearranged so as to further include: a movement detecting device fordetecting a movement of the worker, the movement detecting device beingworn by the worker, wherein: the input support information storingsection stores therein, for a check item with respect to which a checkis carried out by use of the movement detecting device, input supportinformation L in which a combination of multidimensional codes whichcombination corresponds to the check item is associated with analgorithm in accordance with which (i) check result informationindicative of a check result is generated in accordance with themovement detected by the movement detecting device and (ii) a checkresult registration instruction, including the check result informationthus generated and check item identification information that identifiesthe check item, is set as the input information; and the managementsection accumulates, in the input information storing section, the checkitem identification information and the check result information, eachof which is included in the check result registration instructionreceived from the communication section, in association with each other.

Note that the movement detecting device can be integrated with the imagecapturing device. Further, the movement detecting device is, forexample, an acceleration sensor.

According to the above configurations, it is possible to accumulate thecheck result in the input information storing section merely by theworker (i) acting so that the image capturing device worn by the workercaptures an image of the combination of the multidimensional codescorresponding to the check item and (ii) making a predeterminedmovement.

Further, the work management system of the present invention can bearranged such that: the input support information storing section storestherein, for a check item with respect to which a check is carried outby use of a measuring device, input support information M in which acombination of multidimensional codes which combination corresponds tothe check item is associated with an algorithm M in accordance withwhich (i) check result information indicative of a check result isgenerated in accordance with an measuring device image included in theimage captured by the image capturing section and (ii) a check resultregistration instruction, including the check result information thusgenerated and check item identification information that identifies thecheck item, is set as the input information; and the management sectionaccumulates, in the input information storing section, the check itemidentification information and the check result information, each ofwhich is included in the check result registration instruction receivedfrom the communication section, in association with each other.

The algorithm M can be an algorithm in accordance with which (i) anumeral in the measuring device image is read by character recognitionand (ii) the check result information is generated in accordance withthe numeral thus read. Alternatively, the algorithm M can be analgorithm in accordance with which the check result information isgenerated in accordance with a position of a pointer in the measuringdevice image.

According to the above configurations, it is possible to accumulate thecheck result in the input information storing section merely by theworker acting so that the image capturing device worn by the workercaptures (i) an image of the combination of the multidimensional codescorresponding to the check item and (ii) an image of the measuringdevice.

The work management system of the present invention is preferablyarranged so as to further include: an image storing section, wherein themanagement section further includes: a machine signal receiving sectionfor receiving, from a machine, a status signal indicative of a status ofthe machine; and a trouble information processing section for storing,in the image storing section, a moving image which is captured by theimage capturing section from when the machine signal receiving sectionreceives an abnormality start signal, which is the status signalindicating that an abnormality occurs or the status signal indicatingthat action starts to be taken against the abnormality, until when themachine signal receiving section receives the status signal indicatingthat the abnormality is overcome, as an abnormality occurrence movingimage.

According to the above configuration, in a case where the abnormalityoccurs, the abnormality occurrence moving image is automatically storedin the image storing section without the worker's operation.

Further, the work management system of the present invention can bearranged such that the trouble information processing section stores, inthe image storing section, the abnormality occurrence moving image inassociation with machine identification information which identifies themachine that has outputted the abnormality start signal.

Alternatively, the work management system can be arranged so as tofurther include: a worker information storing section in which, for eachregion where a machine is provided, worker identification informationthat identifies a worker who works in the each region is stored,wherein: the trouble information processing section (i) specifies, fromthe worker information storing section, worker identificationinformation which corresponds to a region where the machine havingoutputted the abnormality start signal is provided and (ii) stores, inthe image storing section, the abnormality occurrence moving imagecaptured by the image capturing section of the image capturing devicewhich is worn by a worker indicated by the worker identificationinformation thus specified, in association with the workeridentification information.

According to the above configurations, it is possible to easily extractthe abnormality occurrence moving image corresponding to each machine orworker, with use of the machine identification information or the workeridentification information.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the image capturing device includes: amultidimensional code recognizing section for recognizingmultidimensional codes contained in the image captured by the imagecapturing section; and a machine inspection signal generating sectionfor generating a machine inspection signal to which machine inspectoridentification information that identifies the worker wearing the imagecapturing device is added, in a case where the multidimensional codesrecognized by the multidimensional code recognizing section correspondto a start of an inspection with respect to the machine; thecommunication section transmits, to the server device, the machineinspection signal generated by the machine inspection signal generatingsection; and the trouble information processing section stores, in theimage storing section, the abnormality occurrence moving image capturedby the image capturing section of the image capturing device which isworn by the worker indicated by the machine inspector identificationinformation that is added to the machine inspection signal received fromthe communication section, in association with the machine inspectoridentification information.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to accumulate, inthe image storing section, a moving image captured by the imagecapturing device worn by the worker who has carried out a machineinspection, as the abnormality occurrence moving image.

Note that the work management system can be arranged so as to furtherinclude: a worker information storing section which manages, for eachregion where a machine is provided, (i) worker identificationinformation that identifies workers who work in the each region and (ii)particular worker identification information that identifies aparticular worker out of the workers, wherein: in a case where thetrouble information processing section does not receive the machineinspection signal from the communication section within a predeterminedtime period, the trouble information processing section (a) specifies,from the worker information storing section, particular workeridentification information which corresponds to a region where themachine having outputted the abnormality start signal is provided and(b) stores, in the image storing section, the abnormality occurrencemoving image captured by the image capturing section of the imagecapturing device which is worn by a worker indicated by the particularworker identification information thus specified, in association withthe particular worker identification information.

According to the above configuration, by setting, as the particularworker in advance, the worker who often carries out the machineinspection when the abnormality occurs, it is possible to accumulate, inthe image storing section, a moving image captured by the imagecapturing device worn by the particular worker, as the abnormalityoccurrence moving image, without generating the machine inspectionsignal.

Further, the work management system of the present invention ispreferably arranged such that: the image capturing device includes: amultidimensional code recognizing section for recognizingmultidimensional codes contained in the image captured by the imagecapturing section; and a product inspection signal generating sectionfor generating a product inspection signal to which product inspectoridentification information that identifies the worker wearing the imagecapturing device is added, in a case where the multidimensional codesrecognized by the multidimensional code recognizing section correspondto a start of an inspection with respect to a product; the communicationsection transmits, to the server device, the product inspection signalgenerated by the product inspection signal generating section; and thetrouble information processing section stores, in the image storingsection, the abnormality occurrence moving image captured by the imagecapturing section of the image capturing device which is worn by theworker indicated by the product inspector identification informationadded to the product inspection signal received from the communicationsection, in association with the product inspector identificationinformation.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to accumulate, inthe image storing section, a moving image captured by the imagecapturing device worn by the worker who has carried out the productinspection, as the abnormality occurrence moving image.

Note that the work management system can be arranged so as to furtherinclude: a worker information storing section which manages, for eachregion where a machine is provided, (i) worker identificationinformation that identifies workers who work in the each region and (ii)particular worker identification information that identifies aparticular worker out of the workers, wherein: in a case where thetrouble information processing section does not receive the productinspection signal from the communication section within a predeterminedtime period, the trouble information processing section (a) specifies,from the worker information storing section, particular workeridentification information which corresponds to a region where themachine having outputted the abnormality start signal is provided and(b) stores, in the image storing section, the abnormality occurrencemoving image captured by the image capturing section of the imagecapturing device which is worn by a worker indicated by the particularworker identification information thus specified, in association withthe particular worker identification information.

According to the above configuration, by setting, as the particularworker in advance, the worker who often carries out the productinspection when the abnormality occurs, it is possible to accumulate, inthe image storing section, a moving image captured by the imagecapturing device worn by the particular worker, as the abnormalityoccurrence moving image, without generating the product inspectionsignal.

The image capturing device is preferably worn on the worker's head.Furthermore, the image capturing device is preferably a glasses-typeimage capturing device. This allows an area captured by the imagecapturing device to be substantially identical to a field of view of theworker.

The present invention is not limited to the description of theembodiments, but may be altered by a skilled person in the art withinthe scope of the claims. An embodiment derived from a proper combinationof technical means disclosed in different embodiments is alsoencompassed in the technical scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is applicable to a work management system whichmanages, for example, work carried out by a worker in a production line.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 Work management system-   10 Input-output terminal (display device)-   13 Display section-   20 Image capturing device-   21 Image capturing section-   22 Multidimensional code recognizing section-   23 Work target storing section-   24 Acceleration sensor (movement detecting device)-   25 Microphone (sound input device)-   26 Speaker-   27 Camera ID storing section-   28 Worker ID storing section-   29 Input support information storing section-   30 Communication section-   31 Control section-   31 a Instruction receiving section-   31 b Moving-image work standard generating section-   31 c Work time calculating section-   31 d Input information determining section-   31 e Work target setting section-   31 f Recording processing section-   40 Production device (machine)-   50 Lot managing device-   60 Server device-   61 Communication section-   62 Image storing section-   63 Work record accumulating section (input information storing    section)-   64 Check result storing section (input information storing section)-   65 Worker information storing section-   66 Related information storing section-   67 Line information storing section-   70 Control section (management section)-   70 a Work standard processing section-   70 b Standard time setting section-   70 c Work time calculating section-   70 d Work record creating section-   70 e Display control section-   70 f Check result processing section-   70 g Recording instructing section-   70 h Trouble information generating section (trouble information    processing section)-   70 j Search processing section-   80 Display terminal (display device)-   90 Operation area restricting device

What is claimed is:
 1. A work management system comprising: an imagecapturing device worn by a worker; a server device; and an inputinformation storing section, wherein the image capturing deviceincludes: an image capturing section capturing an image of a work rangeof the worker; a multidimensional code recognizing section recognizingmultidimensional codes contained in the image captured by the imagecapturing section; an input support information storing section in whichfirst input support information or second input support information isstored, the first input support information being information in which acombination (J) of multidimensional codes which combination correspondsto a check item and a check result is associated with a check resultregistration instruction serving as input information and includingcheck item identification information, which identifies the check item,and check result information indicative of the check result, the secondinput support information being information in which a combination ofmultidimensional codes which combination corresponds to the check itemis associated with an algorithm in accordance with which (i) the checkresult information indicative of the check result is generated and (ii)the check result registration instruction, including the check resultinformation thus generated and the check item identification informationthat identifies the check item, is set as the input information; aninput information determining section determining the input informationin accordance with (a) a combination of the multidimensional codesrecognized by the multidimensional code recognizing section and (b) thefirst or second input support information; and a communication sectiontransmitting, to the server device, the input information determined bythe input information determining section, wherein the server deviceincludes: a management section accumulating, in the input informationstoring section, the check item identification information and the checkresult information, each of which is included in the check resultregistration instruction received from the communication section, inassociation with each other.
 2. The work management system as set forthin claim 1, wherein: the input support information storing sectionstores therein input support information (J) in which the combination(J) of the multidimensional codes which combination corresponds to thecheck item and the check result is associated with the check resultregistration instruction including the check item identificationinformation, which identifies the check item, and the check resultinformation indicative of the check result; the input supportinformation (J) is arranged such that the combination DI is alsoassociated with an algorithm in accordance with which (i) a current timeis set as a check time and (ii) the check time is included in the checkresult registration instruction; and the management section accumulates,in the input information storing section, the check item identificationinformation, the check result information, and the check time, each ofwhich is included in the check result registration instruction receivedfrom the communication section, in association with each other.
 3. Thework management system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: asound input device which is worn by the worker, wherein: the inputsupport information storing section stores therein, for the check itemwith respect to which a check is carried out by the sound input device,input support information (K) in which the combination of themultidimensional codes which combination corresponds to the check itemis associated with an algorithm in accordance with which (i) the checkresult information indicative of the check result is generated inaccordance with a sound inputted in the sound input device and (ii) thecheck result registration instruction, including the check resultinformation thus generated and the check item identification informationthat identifies the check item, is set as the input information.
 4. Thework management system as set forth in claim 3, wherein the sound inputdevice is integrated with the image capturing device.
 5. The workmanagement system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: amovement detecting device for detecting a movement of the worker, themovement detecting device being worn by the worker, wherein: the inputsupport information storing section stores therein, for the check itemwith respect to which a check is carried out by the movement detectingdevice, input support information (L) in which the combination of themultidimensional codes which combination corresponds to the check itemis associated with an algorithm in accordance with which (i) the checkresult information indicative of the check result is generated inaccordance with the movement detected by the movement detecting deviceand (ii) the check result registration instruction, including the checkresult information thus generated and the check item identificationinformation that identifies the check item, is set as the inputinformation.
 6. The work management system as set forth in claim 5,wherein the movement detecting device is integrated with the imagecapturing device.
 7. The work management system as set forth in claim 5,wherein the movement detecting device is an acceleration sensor.
 8. Thework management system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the inputsupport information storing section stores therein, for the check itemwith respect to which a check is carried out by a measuring device,input support information (M) in which the combination of themultidimensional codes which combination corresponds to the check itemis associated with an algorithm (M) in accordance with which (i) thecheck result information indicative of the check result is generated inaccordance with an measuring device image included in the image capturedby the image capturing section and (ii) the check result registrationinstruction, including the check result information thus generated andthe check item identification information that identifies the checkitem, is set as the input information.
 9. The work management system asset forth in claim 8, wherein the algorithm (M) is an algorithm inaccordance with which (i) a numeral in the measuring device image isread by character recognition and (ii) the check result information isgenerated in accordance with the numeral thus read.
 10. The workmanagement system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the algorithm (M) isan algorithm in accordance with which the check result information isgenerated in accordance with a position of a pointer in the measuringdevice image.
 11. The work management system as set forth in claim 1,wherein the image capturing device is worn on the worker's head.
 12. Thework management system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the imagecapturing device is a glasses-type image capturing device.
 13. A methodof managing a work management system, the method comprising: (a)capturing, by an image capturing section of an image capturing deviceworn by a worker, an image of a work range of the worker; (b)recognizing, by the image capturing device, multidimensional codescontained in the image captured by the image capturing section; (c)storing, in an input support information storing section of the imagecapturing device, first input support information or second inputsupport information, the first input support information beinginformation in which a combination (J) of multidimensional codes whichcombination corresponds to a check item and a check result is associatedwith a check result registration instruction serving as inputinformation and including check item identification information, whichidentifies the check item, and check result information indicative ofthe check result, the second input support information being informationin which a combination of multidimensional codes which combinationcorresponds to the check item is associated with an algorithm inaccordance with which (i) the check result information indicative of thecheck result is generated and (ii) the check result registrationinstruction, including the check result information thus generated andthe check item identification information that identifies the checkitem, is set as the input information; (d) determining, by the imagecapturing device, the input information in accordance with (I) acombination of the recognized multidimensional codes and (II) the firstor second input support information; (e) transmitting, to the serverdevice and from the image capturing device the determined inputinformation; and (f) accumulating, in an input information storingsection of the server device, the check item identification informationand the check result information, each of which is included in the checkresult registration instruction received from the image capturingdevice, in association with each other.